chapter 28

He picked through the hangers with a thoughtful expression, occasionally glancing at her, as if imagining her in each outfit. She stood by with her arms folded, tapping her foot lightly on the floor.Then, he pulled out the soft beige two-piece set—a flowy blouse with a delicate collar and matching high-waisted trousers. "This," he said, holding it up. "This looks like you."She raised an eyebrow, amused. "Me?"He stepped closer, placing the outfit in her hands, " yes."She smiled and ran her hand over the fabric. If he had chosen it, she would definitely wear it." I'll be back."She said and went to the bathroom as he nodded. He chose to wear his clothes as well.Minutes later, she stepped out in the outfit, the light fabric flowing effortlessly, the color complementing her skin. He stared for a moment too long.She blushed and tucked the strands of her hair behind the ear, " uhm.. am I looking good?"" Absolutely," he looked up and down at her." You are looking ravishing and very different."She smiled at the compliment and made her way to the dressing table. She sat on the stool and started ready, feeling his gaze on her from time to time.She uncapped her lip gloss, carefully gliding it over her lips, then rubbed them together softly. The sheen caught the morning light streaming through the sheer curtains, and for a second, she paused—her reflection in the mirror almost felt unfamiliar. More confident. More her.She left her hair open, letting the soft waves fall over her shoulders. It framed her face perfectly, adding a subtle elegance that made her look both poised and effortlessly beautiful. Her makeup was minimal, just a hint of blush, a touch of mascara, and the soft gloss. Nothing too loud, just enough to highlight her natural charm.Behind her, she could feel his gaze like a warm touch. She looked at him through the mirror, and he was still watching her, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed and a faint smile playing on his lips."You keep staring like that, and I might actually believe I'm a goddess," she said softly, not breaking eye contact through the mirror."You are," he said without hesitation, walking towards her. He rested his hands gently on her shoulders from behind and leaned down. "And today, every guy in that university is going to wish they were me."She chuckled softly and he kissed the back of her head, then rested his chin there and said,"And if they dare, they may need a good doctor... or a priest."She froze for a second, eyes wide in the mirror, then laughed with disbelief, " really?"He met her gaze through the reflection, his eyes dark but playful."Worse."She burst into laughter, thinking he was only teasing but there wasn't a trace of exaggeration in his words. If anyone dared to test his limits, dared to get too close to her or disrupt his sanity, he'd deal with them in a language only he knew, silent, ruthless, and final.Her laughter echoed through the room, light and carefree, while he simply watched her.Through the reflection, his fingers adjusted the delicate bracelet around her wrist, but his eyes never left hers.She stood up, still smiling, reaching down to pick up her sandals. Just as she was about to slip her foot into one, he stopped her with a gentle touch on her hand and took them from her grip.Before she could even react, he knelt in front of her, without a word, without a pause.Her smile faded into a stunned silence as he lifted her foot with careful fingers and slid the sandal on. Then the other.Not rushed. Not casual.It was reverent, like she was something precious, something sacred.Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched him fasten the strap, his head bent in complete focus.He stood up slowly, his hands finding her cheeks, cradling her face with a tenderness that made her breath hitch. Her eyes fluttered shut as he leaned in, pressing his lips gently to her forehead and letting the kiss linger longer than usual as if sealing his warmth into her skin.She opened her eyes as he withdrew his face."Do not be nervous, hmm," he whispered, his voice calm but filled with concern. "The dean knows me. If you get into trouble, go to him, he'll inform me. And if any professor, student, even a staff member tries to misbehave, let me know. I'll be there, leaving everything behind."He exhaled through his nose, brushing her hair behind her ear as he continued, "Focus on your studies. Make friends, but stay away from the ones who waste time, the ones who talk too much and study too little. There's a canteen if you're hungry, I've kept my card and some cash in your purse-"She suddenly placed her palm over his mouth."Speak slowly," she murmured with a chuckle. "I can't focus."He smiled behind her hand, the tension in his eyes softening. When she moved her hand away, he pulled her into his arms without hesitation, hugging her tightly, as if imprinting her presence into his soul.It would be hard to let her go, harder than he imagined. But he had to. She needed this space. This journey. To grow, to discover, to stand on her own feet.And even if it killed him a little inside, he would take a step back, just so she could learn to fly.He smiled and kissed the crown of her head then broke the hug. She looked up at him and tip-toed, grabbing his shoulders.He blinked as she put her lips on his for a few seconds before pulling back." I'll take care of myself."He smiled and nodded slightly.He wore his watch and both left the room together. Pari returned only to grab her hand bag then quickly made her way out, catching with him.In the dining room,The aroma of parathas and freshly brewed chai filled the dining area as Vikrant and Pari stepped in. The morning sunlight filtered through the lace curtains, casting soft golden patterns on the table. Akansha, already seated at the head, looked up and smiled warmly."I've packed some lunch too," Akansha said, placing a small tiffin on the side table. "In case college food doesn't suit you."Pari's eyes softened. "You didn't have to, Ma. But... thank you."Akansha chuckled. " It's what mothers do. Besides, now I have a daughter to fuss over. Your husband barely lets me."Vikrant chuckled.The conversation continued over bites of breakfast—light teasing, gentle advice, and a sense of comfort that only a true home could offer.After having breakfast, Vikrant chose to drop his wife to her university on the very first day.The morning air was crisp, the city slowly coming alive as Vikrant's car moved through the streets. A soft melody played in the background, some old romantic song with gentle strings and a warm tune. Pari sat in the passenger seat, her fingers fidgeting, eyes watching the world rush by outside the window.She chose to calm herself but nothing worked. Inside, her heart was racing. What if she didn't fit in? What if people looked at her differently? What if they could somehow tell where she came from, the brothel, the shadows she fought so hard to leave behind? What if they don't like her? And she messed up?A gentle hand landed on her thigh which grabbed her attention. She looked at Vikrant as he said."You're not walking into a battlefield, Pari. It's just a university."She sighed softly, " yes.. but I am nervous. What if I'm not good enough?"He smiled softly and gave her thigh a small squeeze. "Pari... you're more than enough. And anyone who can't see that doesn't deserve your time."His words helped. A little. But the knot in her stomach didn't completely disappear. Her mind continued to wrestle between fear and hope, insecurity and strength.She exhaled slowly, watching as the gates of the university began to appear in the distance. This was it. A new beginning.He pulled the brakes, and her heart skipped a beat as the car came to a gentle halt. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight before her—an expanse of buildings framed by tall trees, laughter echoing across the walkway, students bustling about with books, backpacks, and bright energy. Some looked her age, others younger, a few older, each lost in their own little worlds.It felt like she had stepped into a completely different universe. One filled with possibilities... and unknowns.This wasn't just a campus. It was a whole new world. One she was about to enter. One she wasn't sure she truly belonged to yet." Here we are."He smiled softly and leaned closer, unbuckling her seatbelt while she remained lost, eyes wide with wonder at the world outside. As he sat back in his seat, she finally turned to him, her expression hesitant."Hume nahi jana... ghar wapas chalein?" she mumbled, almost like a plea.( I don't want to go. Can we go back home?)He frowned, sensing the nervous storm brewing inside her. "Pari—""Please," she cut him off quickly. "I'm really nervous. Maybe we can come next week instead? The dean's your friend... I'm sure you can convince him to give me leave, right?"He raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. So casually... so innocently, she tried to twist his influence like it was a shortcut to escape."Wow," he said, voice laced with amusement, "using my reputation already? Impressive, Mrs. Agnihotri."She let out a long, shaky sigh and glanced back at the bustling campus through the window. Her chest felt heavy as she turned to look at him again, eyes wide with uncertainty."What will I do without you?" she whispered. "How will I talk to professors? How will I make friends? I'll be so... alone here."He gave her a half-smile, the kind that tried to comfort but still nudged her forward. "You can do it, baby. Don't be a baby. Go."He leaned over, reaching to open the door but she caught his hand in both of hers.He paused, frowning slightly as he looked at her. She was shaking her head, eyes pleading.Almost two years. Two years of being caged, watched, sold, silenced. And now this? Freedom, maybe, but overwhelming. Loud. Unfamiliar. Too much.He saw the panic in her eyes and slowly exhaled, his heart softening. He cupped her cheeks, gently brushing his thumbs under her eyes."Pari, don't feel scared. You're stronger than this. Look, so many students out there. You belong there too."Her throat tightened. Her lips trembled. She felt the sting behind her eyes and didn't even try to stop the tears this time. She was being childish. Maybe. But she didn't care.Her voice cracked when she finally spoke, barely more than a whisper."But... you wouldn't be there."His expression softened instantly, all traces of teasing gone. He leaned his forehead against hers, closing his eyes for a moment, letting her feel the steady rhythm of his breath." Sometimes a person has to move ahead alone in the race of his life. And it is not like that. I am not with you. I am there but I will not be visible to you. You will study, score good marks and fulfill your dreams, I will be so proud. Don't you want this? Don't you want to get your parents' land back?"She blinked, tears slipping silently down her cheeks as her fingers curled into his shirt. The weight of his reassurance anchored her, but the storm inside still churned."This place... it's too big. Too new."He brushed his thumb along her jaw. "You just have to show up. That's the first step. After that, I promise, things will fall into place."She swallowed hard, trying to believe him."And what if I mess up?""Then you learn. And if anyone dares say something wrong, they'll have to deal with me." His voice turned protective, firm.That made her lips twitch in a soft smile, even through the tears. He wiped them gently, pressing another kiss to her forehead."You walked through hell, Pari. You lived through things that would break most people," he whispered. "This? This is just a university. Don't let it scare you. Let it be the place where you begin again."She looked at him and nodded, slowly."Okay," she said in a small, steady voice."That's my girl." He smiled, brushed her hair back.He wiped her tears and removed his hands from her cheeks. She grabbed the straps of her handbag but stopped when another thought crossed her mind." What if-"Before she could finish, his lips were on hers, silencing the question with a kiss full of reassurance. Her eyes widened in surprise, a soft gasp caught in her throat, and a blush bloomed across her cheeks.What if someone saw them?But then she remembered that the windows were tinted pitch-black from the outside. No one could see in.He pulled back, " no more what ifs, okay?"She nodded shyly, her eyes still slightly misty but a faint smile playing on her lips. Just as she reached for the door, he stopped her and reached for her handbag instead.She frowned slightly, watching in confusion as he unzipped it and pulled out her lip gloss."It's smudged," he said, inspecting her lips with a focused gaze. "Re-apply it."She reached out to take it, but he closed his fingers around it and said, "Leave it. I'll do it."Her breath hitched as he leaned closer, the space between them vanishing. She froze as his thumb tilted her chin up gently, the other hand uncapping the gloss. With careful strokes, he began applying it, his eyes flicking between her lips and her eyes.Her heart thudded loudly in her chest, his touch sending flutters through her stomach. He moved with such focus and tenderness, it was like time slowed for them again, just like it always did when he looked at her like that."There," he whispered, recapping the gloss. "Perfect."She stepped out of the car alongside him, the soft click of her sandals meeting the pavement as she adjusted her handbag over her shoulder. Vikrant stood tall with his back leaned casually against the car, arms crossed over his chest, exuding an effortless confidence that drew more than just passing glances. A few students slowed their pace to look his way— some curious, others outright admiring.But it was her they looked at next.Pari.She felt their eyes flicker between her and the man beside her, probably wondering who she was to him. And instead of nervousness, a smile touched her lips. She didn't care about the stares anymore, not when he was right there, making her feel like she belonged.He palmed her cheek gently, his thumb brushing her skin. "I'll be here at 4, hm?"She nodded, her smile turning softer.Without overthinking, she moved in closer and wrapped her arms around him in a quick, warm hug. He responded with ease, patting her head twice before placing a kiss on her crown.As she pulled away, her fingers lingered on his shirt for just a second more. Then, with a deep breath, she turned around and started walking into the campus—her pace steady, her posture straight, and a silent reassurance blooming in her chest.She wasn't alone. Not really.Vikrant kept his gaze fixed on Pari as she moved through the campus gates, her figure gradually blending into the crowd. A soft smile played on his lips, and a hint of longing swirled in his chest.But that smile faded just as quickly as it came.His jaw clenched the moment his eyes caught sight of two guys nearby, their stares sharp and intrusive, following Pari like hawks stalking prey."Damn them," he muttered under his breath, a flicker of cold rage in his eyes as he yanked open the car door and sank into the driver's seat.Without wasting a second, he grabbed his phone and dialed a number from memory. The moment the line connected, he spoke with urgency but respect."Uncle," he began, already turning the ignition, "my wife just entered the campus. Could you please keep an eye on her today? Maybe show her around, help her with the schedule and find her classes?"There was a brief pause on the other side, then a warm response. Vikrant relaxed a little, but not fully."Thank you," he said,Without waiting for a reply, he ended the call and drove off but not before sparing one last look at the gates.She had barely taken her first step into this world. And he would make damn sure no one dared to cross a line.Pari walked slowly through the hallway, her eyes wide with admiration as she took in the grandeur of the university. The towering walls, bustling students, open classrooms, and scent of fresh books and coffee, it was a whole new world. A world that once felt so far from reach, yet now she was a part of it.She adjusted the strap of her handbag and moved with graceful uncertainty, her sandals clicking softly against the marble floor. Heads turned as she passed, some out of sheer curiosity, others out of interest. Her presence wasn't loud, yet it commanded attention. The flowy outfit she wore complimented her like second skin, making her stand out in a sea of denim and backpacks.A few girls whispered to each other, eyes flickering toward her. One smiled briefly, but when Pari looked back, she quickly turned away. Some of the boys, though, weren't as subtle. Their gazes lingered longer than necessary. One even nudged his friend and nodded toward her.Pari felt the weight of those stares but kept walking, clutching her handbag a little tighter. Her heartbeat was quick, yet she lifted her chin with quiet confidence. She didn't want to seem nervous, even if her insides were tangled with it.She stopped for a second near the notice board, pretending to read something just to catch her breath. Her eyes scanned the names and class schedules, unsure of where to go next.A sudden tap on her shoulder made her jolt. She turned around quickly, eyes wide."Gautam!"There he was, her husband's trusted man, dressed sharply as always, his easy charm plastered across his face."Hey, bhabh-""Thank God," she breathed out, grabbing his hands in relief, as if she'd just been rescued from drowning.Gautam let out a soft chuckle. "Wow, it seems like my presence made you really happy.""So much. I was not sure where to go or how to find my class."Her eyes narrowed slightly as she gave him a once-over. "Wait... you study here?"He laughed, shaking his head. "Of course not.""Then what are you doing here?"They began walking away from the notice board, Gautam casually leading the way with an air of familiarity."Well, let's just say I have a little stake in this place. I'm one of the primary stakeholders in the university's business development board."Pari blinked in surprise. "You're what?"He smirked, clearly enjoying the reaction. "Yep. Technically, I attend board meetings more than classes. And on paper, I'm associated with the university's expansion and investor relations.""Oh..." she nodded slowly, now putting the pieces together. "That's why you and the dean know each other.""Exactly. The dean, Mr. Pradyumn Mehra is my father."Pari nodded again, feeling lighter already. It was as if the universe had placed a small part of her home right here, just when she needed it."Come on, let's find your classroom. I've got the entire campus memorized," he said with a wink.And just like that, her nervousness started to melt away.As they walked through the polished corridors, Gautam led Pari with a casual confidence, his hands in his pockets while she stayed a step behind, still taking in the grandeur of the university.They reached the Dean's office, and Gautam pushed the door open without knocking, clearly at home."Good morning, old man," he called out with a teasing grin.Pari's eyes widened slightly at the audacity, but inside, she was already smiling.Dean Pradhyumn Mehra looked up from his desk, adjusting his glasses. His sharp features made him appear strict at first glance, but the warmth in his eyes gave him away." I'll kill you-"Pradhyumn muttered dryly, putting his pen down and leaning back in his chair.Gautam chuckled and stepped aside. "Relax, I didn't come alone. Bhabhi's here."The dean's stern expression softened as he stood up. "Ah, Vikrant's wife. Of course. I've heard about you. Welcome, beta.""Thank you," she said softly, comforted by his kind tone.He gestured toward the chair. "Sit, sit. You're a part of the family now, and I won't let my son's friend's wife feel like a stranger o in this campus."Meanwhile, Gautam threw himself onto the couch in the corner, arms spread, one leg over the other.Pradhyumn gave him a side glance. "Didn't I tell you not to lounge like a prince in my office?"" And I told you this feels more like my second home," Gautam replied, smirking.Pari giggled under her breath, enjoying the light banter."Anyway," the dean turned to her with a soft smile, "here's your schedule, and your classroom is just across the science block. Gautam will take you there. If you ever need help with anything at all, you can come to me directly."Pari nodded gratefully. "Thank you, sir. That really means a lot.""Sir?" Gautam scoffed. "He's practically your chacha now.""Gautam!" Pradhyumn snapped, half amused, half exasperated.Pari laughed, already feeling at ease. The tension from earlier seemed to fade away in the warmth of their dynamic.Pari stood frozen outside the lecture hall, heart thudding in her chest. The hum of voices from inside, the echo of laughter, and the sound of chairs scraping, everything felt overwhelming.She drew in a deep breath and held her bag strap tightly, silently chanting to herself, You can do this. You have to do this.Just as she stepped forward, a group of guys rushed past her, bumping into her shoulder. It wasn't deliberate, but she stumbled slightly, the strap of her bag slipping off."Sorry," one of them mumbled, but she didn't reply.What if I mess up? What if I don't understand anything?And then, as if on cue, Vikrant's voice echoed in her mind. "Don't be a baby. Go."With newfound determination, she walked inside the hall and climbed up the stairs. Eyes followed her as she passed. She spotted the second last row. Taken. The students there were already chatting and laughing like they knew each other forever.Too much attention there.She moved to the last row, hoping it would be quieter. There weren't many students. One guy was half-sitting, half-lying, talking to a girl beside him, too immersed to notice her.She was about to politely ask him to move in, her hand raising slightly-"Aye! Aashiqui bahar kariyo."( Make out, outside.)The voice cut through like a whip.Pari turned, startled, and her gaze landed on her.A girl leaned against the edge of the row, arms folded, eyebrows slightly arched. Baggy jeans, a black crop top, her backpack slung over one shoulder. Her hair, long and untamed, flowed freely down her back, shifting with the breeze from the fan above.The tone had been rude, blunt, but not loud. She hadn't even looked at Pari properly.The guy mumbled some words before moving inside with the girl."Move in if you wanna sit. Don't block the way like it's your personal ramp walk," the girl added casually, brushing past her and dropping down into the empty seat beside.Pari blinked and quietly sat down beside her.For a second, no one said anything. The class buzzed on. The girl had already plugged in one earbud, legs stretched out, scrolling through her phone like she wasn't even here.Pari sighed.The very first day.A very weird start.⋆⋅✧⋅⋆★⋆⋅✧⋅⋆ Read more chapters in scrollstack as early access.