chapter 23

Pari frowned as Vikrant passed a form to her."What is this?" she asked, eyeing him with curiosity.Vikrant leaned back against the headboard, his expression unreadable. "Open it."She blinked, hesitating for a moment before unfolding the papers in her hands. Her gaze landed on the bold letters of an institution's name.Her brows furrowed. "This is a university, isn't it?"He hummed in response, watching her intently.Pari's fingers tightened around the edges of the form as she scanned further. Her breath hitched when she saw the course name-Bachelor of Laws (LLB).Her head snapped up. "Law?" she echoed, disbelief flickering in her eyes."Hm," Vikrant hummed in affirmation, watching her reaction closely.Her fingers trembled as she flipped the page, and then-there it was. Her name. Mrs. Pari Vikrant Agnihotri.Her breath hitched. She wasn't imagining it. It was real.Slowly, she lifted her gaze to him, confusion etched across her delicate features. Vikrant smiled, his expression unusually soft as he reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear."You're going to continue your studies, Pari," he murmured, his voice steady, leaving no room for argument.Her eyes widened, her heartbeat hammering against her ribs. Could she? Did she even dare to dream of something like this?She lowered her gaze, staring at the form again, her vision blurring as tears threatened to spill. She had craved this for so long, once upon a time. The chance to study, to build a future, to prove her worth. But that dream had been crushed beneath the weight of her family's indifference, buried the moment they shoved her into the brothel.Yet here it was resurrected. Given back to her, not as a fleeting hope, but as a certainty.Her fingers curled around the paper, as if afraid it would disappear.She shook her head and sighed, her fingers gripping the form tightly before placing it aside. "I can't."Vikrant's frown deepened as he withdrew his hand. His sharp gaze bore into her. "Why can't you?"Pari swung her legs off the bed and stood up, putting distance between them."How can I?" she murmured, her voice laced with hesitation. "Do you really think I can just... go and study now? I have responsibilities over my head. Your family wouldn't like it. And what if someone recognizes me? What if-" she paused, swallowing hard, "- what if your image gets tarnished because of me?"Her words hung in the air like an unspoken fear neither of them wanted to confront."Pari," Vikrant's grip was firm yet gentle as he caught her wrist, pulling her back to sit on the bed, directly across from him. His intense gaze held hers, leaving no room for argument."Why can't you study?" His voice was calm but carried an unmistakable authority. "As far as I know, a law course doesn't come with an age limit. And my family? I'll handle them. My image?" He let out a dry chuckle, his smirk laced with dark confidence. "No one dares to even breathe against my will, let alone tarnish my name."He leaned in slightly, his tone softening but still commanding. "Stop thinking about everyone else, Pari. This time, just focus on yourself."Pari swallowed. Focus on herself? The words felt foreign, almost impossible.Her entire life had been dictated by others-her family, Mausi, the men who came and went. Even Vikrant, despite his protection, had made decisions for her. And now, he was giving her a choice, a chance to rewrite her future.Her voice was barely above a whisper. "What if I fail?"Vikrant tilted his head, his dark eyes never leaving hers. "Then you try again."Her breath hitched. It was such a simple answer, yet it shook her. No threats, no mockery-just unwavering faith in her.She glanced down at the form again, tracing her name with her fingertips. Mrs. Pari Vikrant Agnihotri. The name she hadn't chosen, but the opportunity before her? That was hers to decide.She looked back up at him, uncertainty still flickering in her eyes. "And if someone recognizes me?"Vikrant's jaw tightened, his fingers curling slightly as if resisting the urge to hunt down every single person who had wronged her. But then, his smirk returned, sharp and lethal."Then they'll wish they hadn't."Pari sucked in a breath. The weight of his words, the promise laced in his tone-it sent a shiver down her spine. There was no doubt in her mind that Vikrant would destroy anyone who dared to drag her past into the present.But could she really do this?Her gaze flickered back to the form. Law. It was never her dream, yet the idea of fighting back, of standing tall in a world that had always crushed her, stirred something deep inside. Could she really be more than just Vikrant's wife? More than just a girl who had once been trapped in a brothel?She exhaled slowly and met his gaze. "You really think I can do this?""I don't think, Pari. I know."Her heart clenched. He said it so effortlessly, as if it was an undeniable truth. As if she was capable, worthy, strong.She glanced down at the form one last time before gripping it tightly in her hands."Okay," she whispered. "I'll do it."A smile formed on his lips which soon vanished as soon as she asked another question," But why are you doing all this for me?"A soft chuckle escaped his mouth."Isn't it obvious? You are my wife. And I want you to fulfill all your dreams while I walk behind you."His words settled deep in her heart, wrapping around her like a warm embrace. Her lips parted, but no words came out. She felt overwhelmed-by his unwavering support, by the way he never let her feel alone, by the sheer depth of care in his voice.What would have happened if he had never entered her life?She didn't dare to think about it.Her gaze drifted to his face-those sharp features, the determined glint in his eyes, the way his lips twitched ever so slightly as if waiting for her response.Her heart pounded against her ribcage.Something stirred within her, a feeling she couldn't quite name. A boldness she had never dared to embrace before.Her fingers curled into fists on her lap as she debated.Should she?Would he be angry?No, she didn't care.She gulped and, without second thoughts, shifted closer to him. The mattress dipped slightly under her weight, making Vikrant arch an eyebrow in curiosity."Pari?" He called her name, his deep voice laced with confusion.She ignored it.Her heart raced like a caged bird as she placed her hands on his broad shoulders. Vikrant tensed at her sudden touch. His eyes darkened, searching hers for an answer, but she didn't give him one.Instead, she inhaled deeply, as if gathering courage, and whispered,"Hume maaf karna, par hamara bahut man kar raha hai."( Forgive me but I wanted to do it very badly.)He frowned slightly. "Kya?"( What?)She didn't answer.Instead, her cheeks turned an adorable shade of crimson as she lifted herself just a little, tilting her head up toward him.Vikrant sat still, his breath hitching, his hands twitching at his sides as if unsure whether to hold her or let her do whatever was on her mind.Closer.Closer.Her lips landed softly on his left cheek.The touch was featherlight, innocent yet powerful enough to send an unfamiliar sensation coursing through his veins. Her grip on his shoulders tightened, and her eyes fluttered shut as she lingered for just a moment before pulling away.Silence.A deafening silence.Pari dared to peek up at him through her lashes, her face flushed like a blooming rose. Her heart pounded wildly, but she didn't regret it.Vikrant, on the other hand, sat frozen. His usually impassive face was unreadable, his jaw locked, his fingers gripping the sheets beneath him. A strange fire flickered in his eyes, something she couldn't quite name but felt deeply.She swallowed, suddenly nervous."Hum..." she fidgeted. "Hum jaayein?"( Should.. Should I go?)Her voice barely came out, a soft whisper laced with hesitation.Vikrant's eyes sparkled with mischief, a sharp contrast to his usually composed demeanor. Before she could move, he swiftly placed his hand on her thigh, halting her attempt to get up.Her breath hitched."No."His voice was low, firm-almost commanding.Pari stiffened. The tone of his voice, mixed with the intensity in his gaze, sent a strange shiver down her spine. Her mind, still reeling from the impulsive kiss, twisted his words into something else.Did he not like it? Was he furious?She felt her stomach tighten in apprehension."Pehlay yeh batao, maafi kaun mangta hai iski?"( First tell me, who apologies for this?)His puzzled expression only added to her confusion."H-Hum?" she stammered, blinking rapidly.( M.. me?)He nodded, his lips curving slightly as he took his lower lip between his teeth, a gesture she had never seen up close before. It did strange things to her heart.And then-"Ab tum jao."( Now you can go.)Just like that, he removed his grip from her thigh, his gaze unreadable, as if the moment between them never happened.Pari stared at him, utterly lost.That was it?After everything?She thought-maybe-he would kiss her...She quickly shook her head, scolding herself. "Na baba na," she mumbled under her breath.Embarrassed, she got up hastily, feeling an urgent need to escape before she made an even bigger fool of herself. Without looking back, she reached for the door, her movements rushed and clumsy.But just as she turned the knob, she felt his gaze burning into her back.Did he want to say something?No. She wouldn't wait to find out.As soon as she stepped out, she closed the door behind her and leaned against the wall beside it, pressing a trembling hand over her chest.Her heart was hammering wildly.Her cheeks burned, her skin tingling, her body betraying her in ways she didn't understand."Hey, Bhagwaan," she whispered, squeezing her eyes shut.( Oh God!!)Goosebumps erupted all over her arms as the realization hit her.He could have reciprocated-Her eyes flew open in horror.What on earth was she thinking?Her hands shot up to her burning face, her fingers pressing against her cheeks as if that could cool the heat surging through her veins."Bas bas, don't think much." she scolded herself under her breath, shaking her head rapidly.Her feet, however, refused to move.For a brief second, she debated whether to walk away or peek inside just once. Just to see if he was still sitting there.No. No. No.She needed to leave before her thoughts ran any wilder.With one final deep breath, she turned and hurried down the hallway, practically fleeing the scene.She greeted Kamla on the way, offering her a small smile. Kamla and her husband had returned a few days ago, and fortunately, they had hired competent servants to manage the household affairs. The mansion felt more organized now, the air lighter with the presence of familiar people.It had been a week since she had shared her past with Vikrant. A week since she had let him into the darkest corners of her life.With a quiet sigh, she made her way toward the garden, seeking solace in the rhythmic act of watering the plants. She picked up the watering can, letting the cool water trickle over the thirsty soil, her fingers brushing against the soft petals of blooming flowers.A faint smile tugged at her lips.She didn't know what he had done to Sarthak. Vikrant never brought up the topic, never uttered his name again, as if he wanted to erase every trace of that nightmare from her life. It was as if Sarthak had never existed, as if those horrors had never tainted her. And she understood, Vikrant wasn't just protecting her from others, he was shielding her from her own past, ensuring she never had to relive it.And she didn't ask.She didn't want to know.With a sigh, she placed the watering can down and wiped her hands on her dupatta. The breeze carried the soft fragrance of fresh blooms, wrapping around her like a gentle embrace. She turned her gaze toward the house, her thoughts drifting to the man inside.Vikrant.Her protector.Her husband.Her heart fluttered at the word, at the reality of it. She hadn't just found safety with him, she had found something deeper, something she never thought she deserved.Before she could dwell on it further, a voice interrupted her thoughts." Bhabhi?"She looked to her left and found Ranvijay." Oh, bhaiya. I didn't see you."Ranvijay smiled, " you can see me now."Pari chuckled and invited him inside the mansion. Ranvijay comes more often to meet them, especially Akansha who is at the crucial stage of her life." Bhaiya, eat dinner with us tonight."" As you say, Bhabhi but make sure Bhai doesn't get irritated," he said like a joke.Pari's smile faded as she stared at him putting his jacket down on the couch." I'll go to maa," he said and went to Akansha's room as Pari nodded.She never understood this butter bond between brothers. Ranvijay seems like he always craves to sit with his elder brother, talk to him and share some topics about business, argue with him like normal siblings but Vikrant? He tries so hard to avoid his presence. He doesn't even acknowledge him even if they sit together to eat as if he's forcing himself to bear him.Pari sighed as she watched Ranvijay disappear down the hallway toward Akansha's room. His presence in the mansion was warm, familiar-yet there was always a quiet, unspoken tension whenever he and Vikrant were in the same space.She glanced toward the staircase, knowing Vikrant would be in his study at this hour, likely drowning himself in work. A part of her wanted to go to him, to urge him to at least acknowledge his younger brother's efforts, but another part knew Vikrant too well. He wasn't the kind of man to be pushed.Still, she couldn't help but wonder why did Vikrant act so distant toward Ranvijay? It wasn't hatred, she was sure of that. It was something deeper, something neither of them spoke about.She took a deep breath and walked away from there.The dinner time eventually approached.The evening passed in a blur, and soon, dinner time approached. The long dining table was set, the aroma of freshly prepared dishes filling the air. Akansha arrived first, followed by Ranvijay, who took his seat with a cheerful grin. Kamla served them both then Pari.A few moments later, Vikrant entered, his face unreadable as he took his usual seat at the head of the table. His eyes flickered toward Ranvijay for a mere second before settling on his plate.Kamla served him as well and they started eating.Ranvijay cleared his throat, attempting to break the silence. "Bhai, I heard about the new expansion project. The media is saying it's going to be one of the biggest developments this year."Vikrant didn't look up. "Hmm."Pari's heart clenched. Could he not even acknowledge the effort?Undeterred, Ranvijay continued, "I was thinking... if you need an extra hand, I could-""You have your own responsibilities, Ranvijay," Vikrant cut him off, his voice firm.The smile on Ranvijay's face faltered slightly, but he masked it well. "Of course. Just thought I'd offer."The tension grew thick. Akansha placed a hand on Ranvijay's, as if to silently comfort him. Pari, unable to bear the awkwardness, tried to shift the conversation." Vijay bhaiya, how is the work on your Mumbai branch going?" she asked with a warm smile.Ranvijay glanced at her, grateful for the distraction. "Going well."Akansha started the topic of the family, wanting to know if everything was going well there.Ranvijay leaned back in his chair. "Sarthak mama has been missing for the past few days. No one has seen him. His phone is unreachable, and his usual spots? Empty."Vikrant's movement stilled and Pari's eyes lifted at him. Her hand clenched around her fork, her stomach twisting into knots. She had forced herself not to think about Sarthak ever since that night, but hearing his name again sent a cold shiver down her spine.Vikrant did not fail to notice the discomfort in her behaviour which she quickly masked and continued eating, pretending that she was okay and his name did not emerge the suppressed wound." Hn?"Akansha uttered confusedly.Vikrant put a spoonful of rice mixed with sabji in his mouth, listened to their conversation quietly.Ranvijay sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, and Chachi is going mad, trying every source to look for him. She even contacted the police, but they haven't found a trace of him yet."Akansha's brows furrowed. "That's strange... Sarthak may be reckless, but disappearing without a word? Something must have happened."Pari felt her pulse quicken. She could sense Vikrant's gaze flicking toward her, but she kept her eyes on her plate, forcing herself to take another bite as if nothing had changed. But her fingers tightened around her fork involuntarily.Vikrant leaned back, the muscles in his jaw ticking as he finally spoke, his voice eerily calm. "People like him often get into trouble. Wouldn't be surprised if he made the wrong enemies."Pari swallowed hard while Ranvijay looked at him. The weight of his words settled in the pit of her stomach like a heavy stone. He wasn't just stating a possibility, he was hinting at something.Ranvijay nodded slowly, but his eyes held suspicion. "Maybe. But it's strange that there's no lead, no sign of a struggle, nothing. It's as if he just... vanished into thin air."" You know, maa. He-"" Enough," Vikrant interrupted.Vikrant's voice sliced through the conversation, sharp and unwavering.The room fell silent. Ranvijay clenched his jaw, his fingers tightening around his spoon. "If you want to stay here," Vikrant continued, his tone dangerously low, "do not talk about him."A tense pause followed before Ranvijay gave a forced nod, his lips pressing into a thin line.Pari frowned, her eyes flickering toward Vikrant. He didn't even glance her way. Normally, he would have offered her silent reassurance-a brush of his fingers against hers, a firm but gentle squeeze on her thigh, anything to silently tell her she wasn't alone. Because he knows her past.But tonight? Nothing.His posture was stiff, his expression unreadable, as if he had already moved past the topic, locking it away in a place no one could reach.Pari swallowed the unease creeping into her chest.Has he...done something?⋆༺✷༻⋆Read in scrollstack as early access and leave your reviews in the comment section.