Chapter 29

Lakshmi punched his chest with all her might, trying to break free from his iron grip, but her strength was no match for his monstrous hold. Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face as she squirmed in his arms, desperate to escape. She prayed silently, begging for divine intervention to end this nightmare.

"Stop acting," he growled, his voice cold and commanding. "Just cooperate. I'll give you whatever you want." His words were laced with a sinister promise. Lakshmi's heart sank as she felt his grip tighten. She twisted and turned, her body trembling with fear and disgust.

He grabbed her face roughly, pulling it closer to his. "What do you say? Just accept my offer. I'll fulfill all your needs," he whispered, his voice dripping with lust. "Let's go to the hotel. No one has to know."

Lakshmi's stomach churned. She felt violated, humiliated, and utterly powerless. A sob escaped her lips as she cried out, her voice trembling with despair. "Please, let me go," she begged, her voice breaking.

"Shut up!" he snapped, his tone sharp and menacing. "Don't make a scene. I know you want this too. How long will you stay alone? Take the opportunity. It'll be our little secret." His words were manipulative, an attempt to break her spirit. But Lakshmi shook her head violently, her tears falling like rain. She punched him again, her fists weak but defiant. Yet, he didn't budge.

Just as the elevator reached the top floor, the doors slid open. Charan's eyes widened in shock at the sight of the person standing outside. He immediately stepped back from Lakshmi, his demeanor shifting instantly.

He straightened his clothes and stood casually, as if nothing had happened. The broken elevator camera gave him a false sense of security, a twisted confidence that his actions would remain hidden.

On the other hand, Vikram's thoughts began to unravel. His ego had been satisfied in the moment, but now, the image of Lakshmi's tear-streaked face haunted him. His chest tightened with an unfamiliar ache.

He had once promised her the world, vowing to bring happiness to her life. But now, everything had changed.

Betrayal had twisted his heart, and yet, seeing her pain stirred something deep within him.

Minutes passed as he wrestled with his emotions. Guilt gnawed at him, an unwelcome intruder in his mind. Unable to sit still, he rose from his seat and went to look for her. But she was not there. Panic surged through him as he searched every corner of the office, his heart pounding with dread.

Finally, he spotted her emerging from the staffroom, her face swollen and red from crying. Her eyes were hollow, her spirit broken.

Tears welled in Vikram's eyes as he watched her. He took a hesitant step forward, his voice catching in his throat. But before he could reach her, someone else intervened. A hand grabbed Lakshmi's arm, pulling her into the elevator.

Vikram's heart raced as he recognized the man. He sprinted toward the elevator, but the doors closed before he could reach them. The display above the door flashed—the elevator was heading to the top floor.

Without a second thought, Vikram bolted for the stairs. He took them three at a time, his breath ragged, his mind consumed with fear for Lakshmi.

Each step echoed his regret, his guilt, and his desperate hope to make things right. His heart pounded in his chest, not just from the physical exertion but from the overwhelming fear of what might happen if he was too late.

Trying to catch his breath, Vikram stood in front of the elevator door, his heart pounding as he waited for it to open. The seconds felt like an eternity.

When the doors finally slid apart, his blood boiled at the sight before him. Lakshmi was in Charan's grip, her face pale and tear-streaked, her body trembling like a leaf in a storm. Charan, caught off guard, quickly stepped back, trying to compose himself. He hadn't expected anyone to be on the top floor—it was rarely used.

Lakshmi didn't even notice Vikram standing there. The moment the doors opened, she bolted out of the elevator, her movements frantic and desperate. She ran past him like a ghost, her eyes hollow and unfocused, as if she were fleeing from a nightmare. Vikram's heart sank to his stomach as he watched her. The sight of her in such a state shattered him. He didn't need an explanation; he understood what must have happened.

Rage surged through Vikram like a wildfire. His fists clenched, and he stormed toward Charan, grabbing him by the collar with a force that left no room for resistance. "Sir, you've misunderstood! I've done nothing wrong. She's the one who—" Charan stammered, his voice trembling with fear.

"Not a single word from your filthy mouth!" Vikram roared, cutting him off. His voice was a thunderclap, filled with fury and disgust. "I know everything." Without waiting for a response, Vikram unleashed his anger, punching Charan repeatedly. Each blow was fueled by the pain and helplessness he had seen in Lakshmi's eyes. Charan's nose broke under the force, blood streaming down his face as he whimpered in pain.

"Sorry, sir! Please, I'm sorry!" Charan begged, his voice cracking as he tried to shield himself from Vikram's wrath. But Vikram wasn't done. He grabbed Charan by the collar again, his eyes blazing with fury. "You're fired," he spat, his voice low and venomous. "And I'll make sure you never get hired anywhere in this country. If you dare breathe a word of this to anyone, you'll see a side of me you'll wish you hadn't." With that, he shoved Charan hard, sending him crashing onto a nearby table.

Charan scrambled to his feet, clutching his bleeding nose, and fled without looking back. His footsteps echoed down the hallway, a testament to his fear and desperation. Vikram watched him go, his chest heaving with anger and exhaustion. Once Charan was out of sight, Vikram leaned against the wall, his body trembling as he tried to steady his breathing.

His mind was consumed with thoughts of Lakshmi. The image of her tear-streaked face, her trembling hands, and her broken spirit haunted him. He wanted to run after her, to hold her, to tell her she was safe now.

But he can't, and the weight of his guilt and helplessness pressed heavily on his chest.

Closing his eyes, Vikram took a deep, shuddering breath.

Lakshmi walked home, her mind a storm of emotions. A woman has no respect when she's alone. To men, she's just an object, she thought bitterly. Her heart ached as memories of her parents surfaced. I should have died with them. Did God spare me just to make me live this miserable life? What sin did I commit to deserve all this? And what sin did Kittu commit to be born as my son?

Her eyes, dry from hours of crying, burned with unshed tears. A bitter smile crept onto her lips, a hollow reflection of the pain she carried.

Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed her surroundings. As she stepped onto the road, a speeding bike nearly hit her. The sudden blare of the horn jolted her, and she stumbled, losing her balance. A fruit vendor, the elderly man who had known her for years, rushed to her side and steadied her. "Careful, Lakshmi!" he said, his voice filled with concern.

The biker yelled at her, hurling insults before speeding away. Lakshmi didn't even react. Her face was blank, her spirit broken. The fruit vendor uncle studied her closely with worry. "Lakshmi, dear, what's wrong? You don't look well. And why are you here at this time? You usually go home in the evening, don't you?" he asked gently, his voice soft and comforting.

Lakshmi forced a weak smile, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's nothing, Uncle. I'm just not feeling well. I'll just go home and rest." She tried to move past him, but he stopped her, his kind eyes filled with concern.

"Wait," he said, hurrying back to his cart. He picked up a few fresh fruits, carefully packed them in a small bag, and handed it to her. "Take these home and give them to Kittu. He'll be happy," he said with a warm smile.

Lakshmi shook her head weakly. "No, Uncle, it's okay. You don't have to—" she began, but he cut her off gently.

"It's nothing, dear. Take them," he insisted, pressing the bag into her hands. His kindness was a small but piercing light in the darkness that surrounded her. Lakshmi, too exhausted to refuse, accepted the fruits with a quiet "Thank you."

As she walked away, the weight of the day pressed heavily on her shoulders. The fruit vendor watched her go, his heart aching for the young woman who had endured so much. He whispered a silent prayer for her, hoping that somehow, things would get better.

Lakshmi continued her journey home, the bag of fruits clutched tightly in her hand. Each step felt heavier than the last, but the thought of Kittu waiting for her gave her the strength to keep moving. For him, she thought, I have to keep going. For him.

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Hey guys!!!

Sorry, I wasn't able to upload another chapter as I promised. But today, I'll definitely upload another chapter tonight.

So, wait for the update, and for now, enjoy reading!!!

Bi Bi!!!