Chapter 31

Vikram stepped closer, his eyes fixed on her, observing every tremble, every flicker of fear that crossed her face. Lakshmi stood frozen, her body shaking like a fragile leaf in a storm.

The sight of her fear gnawed at him, but he pushed the guilt aside. He had no choice—she had to listen.

"Why were you absent today?" he demanded, his voice firm and unyielding.

Lakshmi's gaze dropped to the floor, her voice barely a whisper. "I'm sorry... I won't come to work anymore."

Vikram's jaw tightened. "Is this because of Charan? Don't worry about him. He's been fired."

Her eyes flickered with a mix of anger and despair as she mustered the courage to speak. "And what about you? You're no different from him. How can I feel safe around you?"

His face darkened, his patience fraying. "You're comparing me to him? I'm your husband and I have every right—"

"Stop it!" she cried, cutting him off. Her hands clasped together as if in prayer, her voice trembling but defiant. "Please, just let me go. Don't torment me like this. I can't take it anymore."

Vikram closed the distance between them, his presence looming over her like a shadow. "I'm tormenting you?" he hissed, his voice low and dangerous.

"Then what do you call what you're doing to me? You'll be at work tomorrow, as usual. Or do you think anyone in this state will hire you if I say otherwise?" He paused, his words dripping with menace. "And don't forget—you have a son to think about. His safety... his future... it's all in your hands."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing there, shattered. Lakshmi's legs gave way, and her body wracked with sobs.

Tears streamed down her face, unchecked, like water bursting through a dam. Her heart ached not just for herself, but for her son—the innocent life caught in the crossfire of her torment.

The weight of Vikram's threats pressing down on her chest. She hugged herself tightly, as if trying to hold together the pieces of her broken spirit. But deep inside, a tiny spark of defiance flickered. She knew she couldn't endure this forever. For her son, for herself, she would have to find a way out—no matter the cost.

Lakshmi walked to the school, her mind heavy with thoughts and the weight of Vikram's threats. Each step felt like a struggle, but she pushed forward, determined to put on a brave face for her son.

As she approached the school gates, she spotted Kittu standing with his teacher, his face lighting up the moment he saw her. His eyes sparkled with joy, and he ran toward her, his little arms outstretched.

"Amma!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. It was rare for Lakshmi to pick him up—usually, it was Rashi who came—and today felt special to him. Lakshmi's heart swelled with both love and guilt as she knelt to hug him tightly, savoring the warmth of his small body against hers.

After picking him up, she held his hand firmly as they walked along the roadside. Despite the ache in her heart, a sense of peace washed over her in the presence of her child. His school bag hung from her shoulder, a familiar weight that reminded her of her responsibilities.

As they neared home, Lakshmi stopped at a small petty shop and bought a packet of milk and some snacks for Kittu. The shopkeeper's cheerful demeanor was a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside her. She forced a smile, not wanting Kittu to sense her turmoil.

On their way home, a young couple passed by, holding hands with their child, who was around Kittu's age. Kittu's eyes followed them, an unspoken emotion flickering across his face.

Lakshmi noticed but stayed silent, her heart breaking as she recognized the longing in her son's gaze. She knew he yearned for a father, just like his friends at school.

Whenever they asked about his father, Kittu would stay quiet, unsure of what to say. His little heart ached for a father's love, but he never brought it up, sensing that something was amiss in their family.

He watched the couple and their child until they disappeared from view. Then, turning to Lakshmi, he asked softly, "Amma, where is my father? Don't I have one?"

Lakshmi's breath caught in her throat. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she struggled to find the right words. How could she explain the truth to her innocent child? Just as she was about to respond, Rashi appeared, her cheerful voice breaking the tension.

"Akka, you went alone to pick him up? You should have called me! I would've come with you to pick up my little prince," Rashi said, scooping Kittu into her arms and twirling him around.

Lakshmi sighed in relief, grateful for Rashi's timely intervention. Kittu giggled, his earlier question momentarily forgotten as Rashi showered him with affection.

Together, the three of them walked home, the weight of unanswered questions lingering in the air.

The next morning, Lakshmi woke up early, her heart heavy as she readied Kittu for school. She dressed him carefully, smoothing his uniform and packing his lunch, all while masking the turmoil inside her.

After dropping him off, she would have to face the one place she despised—her workplace. But she had no choice. Vikram's threats loomed over her, and the weight of her responsibilities left her powerless to resist.

As she got ready for work, Meena entered and watched her with a frown. "Lakshmi, where are you going? You're not thinking of going back to that job, are you?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

Lakshmi avoided Meena's gaze, forcing a calm tone. "Yes, Amma, I'm going back to work. You know our situation—it's hard to manage without that salary. I've decided to return."

Meena's eyes widened in disbelief. "Lakshmi, have you lost your mind? How can you go back there after everything that's happened? It's not safe for you! You don't know what Vikram is capable of. And what about that Bas*ard Charan? He'll still be there!"

"No, Amma," Lakshmi replied, her voice steady but hollow. "Charan's been fired. I spoke to one of the workers yesterday. They told me."

Meena's frown deepened. "And you believe them? Lakshmi, this isn't right. Your safety is more important than money. Please, just think about this once more."

Lakshmi placed a hand on Meena's shoulder, her eyes pleading for understanding. "Amma, I'll be careful. I have to do this—for Kittu. Please don't worry."

Meena opened her mouth to protest further, but Lakshmi had already turned away, grabbing her bag and heading out the door. Rashi and Kittu followed her, the three of them walking in silence toward the school. Kittu held Lakshmi's hand tightly, his small fingers a reminder of why she had to endure this.

After dropping Kittu off, Lakshmi and Rashi parted ways—Rashi to her college and Lakshmi to the office she dreaded. As she approached the building, her steps slowed.

The sight of the elevator sent a shiver down her spine, memories of what had happened there flooding her mind. She shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away, and forced herself to move forward.

Entering the office, she began her work, her hands trembling as she cleaned the glass door outside Vikram's cabin.

Moments later, he arrived. His presence was like a dark cloud, and his eyes immediately sought her out. When he saw her, a faint smile tugged at his lips. He felt a twisted sense of satisfaction seeing her there, under his control once more.

As he walked past her into his cabin, he barked an order without looking back. "Bring me coffee."

Lakshmi nodded silently, her heart pounding as she prepared his coffee. A few minutes later, she entered his cabin, placing the cup on his desk. Vikram's gaze never left her, his eyes tracing her every movement. Why am I so obsessed with her? he thought, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She's not mine anymore—not really. Only on paper. But I can't let her go. I can't live without her.

As Lakshmi turned to leave, Vikram's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his heart racing as he saw the message he'd been waiting for. His fingers trembled slightly as he opened the file attached to it. Anticipation and dread warred within him. What would it reveal? What new power would it give him over her?

Lakshmi stepped out of the cabin, unaware of the storm brewing behind her. But the weight of Vikram's gaze lingered, a reminder that her struggles were far from over.

-------------------

Hey guys!!!

How's the chap?

comment please.

Enjoy reading!!!

Bi Bi!!!