chapter 33

Pari giggled softly and nudged him back with her elbow when he mischievously nipped at her earlobe."Don't help me," she warned playfully, pulling away and snatching her earring from his fingers. She tilted her head and began putting on the left one, eyeing the utterly shameless man who had offered to help her get ready but ended up teasing her instead.Vikrant smirked and turned toward the bed, slipping into his shirt at a leisurely pace.Once Pari finished adjusting her earrings, she stepped into her sandals and gave herself one last look in the mirror. All set.She moved toward the table and began packing her books neatly into her handbag.Just then, Vikrant's phone rang. She glanced at it as he picked it up from the nightstand, balancing it between his shoulder and ear while buttoning his shirt."Yes?" he answered.A ten-second silence followed, filled only with the rustling of fabric as he fastened his cuffs. He hummed a short reply before disconnecting the call.Now picking up his pace, Vikrant moved quickly to finish getting ready. Meanwhile, Pari had already slung her bag over her shoulder and was walking toward the door.He paused for a moment, his eyes following her silently until her figure disappeared around the corner. Something warm stirred in his chest as he stared at the space she'd just left behind.Vikrant descended the stairs after getting ready, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt as he stepped down slowly and deliberately. But his steps came to a gradual halt when he noticed his wife standing motionless at the last stair. Her posture was stiff, and her gaze was locked onto the living room, where Akansha stood talking to Tamanna, Sushmita... and Sarthak.Vikrant's eyes narrowed slightly.Sarthak.He looked nothing like the cocky man from before. His face was pale, lips dry, and his entire body slouched into the wheelchair like a crumbling statue. Hospital bands still clung to his wrist, and fresh bruises peeked through his shirt collar. He had clearly been discharged recently.Vikrant didn't let any emotion slip through. His face remained blank, even though his eyes locked sharply onto Sarthak. He didn't want anyone to notice what he was thinking... or suspect that he had anything to do with the man's condition.But Sarthak saw him. And the moment their eyes met, a flicker of fear lit in his dull ones. His back straightened slightly, instinctively, as if just Vikrant's gaze had the power to command him.Vikrant's steps resumed, slower this time, deliberate.Meanwhile, Akansha's voice broke the silence."How did this happen?" she asked Tamanna, more out of politeness than concern.Tamanna rolled her eyes, annoyed. "No idea. Bhaiya wouldn't tell me. He was all secretive about it. And now he wants to meet..."She clicked her tongue with irritation, casting a side glance toward Pari."...Pari."Pari blinked, surprised. Her frown deepened as Akansha turned slightly toward her, confused but composed. Just then, a warm hand curled around Pari's wrist.She looked to her side, startled, only to find Vikrant now beside her, his grip was gentle but firm."May I know why?" he asked coolly, his voice cutting through the room like silk against glass as he walked with her toward the group, his presence unmistakable.Tamanna's expression tightened at the sight of Vikrant approaching. Sarthak, already slouched nervously in his wheelchair, lowered his gaze instantly. The atmosphere shifted with each deliberate step Vikrant took, his hand still firm around Pari's wrist as if silently reminding her to stay close.Pari looked between him and the small gathering, sensing an underlying current she couldn't yet name. Akansha, ever poised, subtly stepped back to let the couple come forward."May I know why?" Vikrant asked again, his voice calm but cutting, eyes narrowing slightly on Sarthak.Tamanna folded her arms, her jaw ticking at his tone. "He insisted," she replied sharply. "Even in the hospital, all he talked about was meeting Pari. "Vikrant's lips curved into a half-smile — not warm, but measured, mocking even. "Interesting," he said, and then shifted his gaze to Sarthak. "You must be feeling really strong if you're thinking about old acquaintances already."Sarthak's fingers curled around the wheelchair armrest. "I... I just wanted to apologize."Akansha frowned, confused. "Apologize? For what?"Before Sarthak could answer, Vikrant's grip on her wrist loosened, but his palm rested at the small of her back instead. "That's what I'm curious about too," he said softly, dangerously. "What exactly are you apologizing for, mama?"Sarthak's throat bobbed as he struggled to form words.His eyes briefly darted to Tamanna, who looked equally tense but determined to stay silent. The room had fallen so quiet that even the ticking of the ornate wall clock became noticeable." Fo..forgive me, Pa..Pari. I-"He gulped feelings Vikrant's gaze on himself which is surely not allowing him to do the work he came here for. Meanwhile, Tamanna and Sushmita widened their eyes, realising that he was here for this." Bhaiya?"Tamanna called him and he gave no reply to her." I.." He turned his gaze back to Pari who was nothing puzzled by this sudden drama." I shouldn't have done that. Forgive me.. please... I was drunk and mad, mad to even think about touching a woman."His eyes glistened with tears while Pari stood speechless. He struggled to join his hands and Pari felt like stopping him but refrained herself." I swe..I swear, I won't touch any other woman again. I won't repeat my sin. Please.. please forgive me, Pari. I beg of you."Vikrant's jaw clenched as he watched Sarthak break down, not out of guilt alone, but from sheer fear. Pari could feel the tension radiating off him, like a storm held barely in check. She shifted slightly toward Vikrant, as if her nearness could ground him.Tamanna looked away, shame flickering across her face, while Sushmita visibly stiffened beside her, discomfort shadowing her features.Sarthak lowered his head further. "You don't have to say anything. Just... just know I regret it every second. I regret hurting you-"Sarthak choked, eyes gleaming with unshed tears, his shoulders hunched in shame.A slow chuckle echoed across the hall.Vikrant.A wry smirk curved his lips as he stared at him mockingly."Wow," Vikrant drawled, tilting his head. "The great Sarthak has finally realized women aren't toys. Chalo, der aaye durust aaye."Sarthak winced at the words.Vikrant didn't stop. "What happened, though? You remembered this by sitting on the wheelchair? Or was it the hospital lights that brought this divine enlightenment?"Tamanna opened her mouth, but one glare from Vikrant silenced her.Pari gently tugged at Vikrant's hand, but he turned to her with an icy calm."Go ahead, Pari," he said, soft but commanding.She blinked, stunned at being put on the spot, unsure whether he was testing her or challenging her. But he didn't look away — he was watching her, waiting.Everyone was.Even Sarthak, trembling now, looked up through wet lashes.Pari stared at him and recalled two major incidents with him which left a deep scar in her life and installed fear within her.She exhaled softly and parted her mouth to speak. " I.. I forgive you."But I can't forget- she added mentally Sarthak almost sobbed, his head bowing low as tears spilled down his cheeks. "Thank you... thank you, Pari. Thank you..." he repeated, voice cracking, broken like a man who had just barely escaped drowning.Pari looked away, her heart conflicted.Vikrant's expression didn't shift much. He tilted his head, arms casually folded now, as though he'd allowed just enough time for this drama to unfold."Well," he said, tone crisp, "if the performance is over, you may take your leave."Then, almost in jest, he added, "Unless, of course, you're hungry. You can have breakfast with us."Tamanna gritted her teeth at his mockery, the fury flaring in her eyes unmistakable.Grabbing the handles of her brother's wheelchair, she snapped, "We're not hungry for your charity or your sarcasm."Vikrant merely raised an eyebrow, that calm, infuriating smile playing on his lips."Suit yourself," he said coolly.Tamanna spun the chair around with a sharp jerk, muttering something under her breath as she wheeled Sarthak away. Sushmita gave Pari one last glance before following silently.As they disappeared, Vikrant turned to Pari with a whisper only for her ears, "You handled that well. But next time, let me slap the sorry out of them."Pari didn't smile, but she didn't stop him from brushing his knuckles against her cheek either.She stepped back and turned to go to the dinning room. Her heels echoed against the marble floor.Vikrant watched her go until she disappeared around the corridor.Akansha came to her son, arms crossed and face composed, but her sharp eyes locked on her son with a knowing glint." You did something, didn't you?" she said without preamble.Vikrant didn't even pretend to play innocent. He slipped one hand into his pocket, rolled his neck a little as if loosening tension, and raised a brow. "I do a lot of things, Maa. Could you narrow it down for me?"Akansha walked closer, her tone quiet but direct. " Sarthak. The one who couldn't look you in the eye for more than a second. You scared him into apologizing."Vikrant smirked faintly. "I didn't scare him. His guilt did."She gave him a look.He shrugged. "Fine. Maybe I reminded him of what it feels like to be powerless. Something he made others feel."Akansha sighed, her fingers pressing gently to her temple. "Vikrant, I know your intentions are clear when it comes to Pari. But sometimes... your ways...""My ways,' Vikrant cut in softly, "are the only reason she's safe in this house, Maa."Akansha stepped closer. "What exactly did you do to Sarthak?"Vikrant held her gaze, unapologetic and his silence gave all answers to his mother. She shook her head side by side."You can't keep doing this, Vikrant. Using fear as your only language. What if Pari finds out the extent of what you've done? What then?"Vikrant glanced toward the dining room, where the sound of cutlery now clinked faintly."She won't," he said quietly. "And if she ever does... she'll know I did it for her."Akansha looked at him for a long moment before she finally spoke. "Just promise me something."" What?""Don't become the man she'll have to be saved from."That made him pause.Akansha touched his arm lightly. "You love her, I know. But don't let that love become something she has to fear."Vikrant said nothing, his silence the only answer he could give.Their moment broke by the footsteps approaching them." I-"Ranvijay.Both of them looked at him, entering with tired look and suitcase behind him. He pointed outside." Why did they come?"Akansha looked at Vikrant and patted his cheek." Go to Pari."Vikrant hummed softly and walked to the living room. Ranvijay came to his mother." Is there anything wrong, maa? Is bhabhi okay?"Akansha smiled at the care of her son toward his sister-in-law." She is fine. Go and freshen up. I'll tell you everything."Ranvijay nodded.Meanwhile,Vikrant rested his cheek against his palm, his elbow propped casually on the table. His gaze lingered on his wife, who was playing with her food more than eating it. Her mind was clearly still lost in thoughts—most likely wandering back to that tense moment with Sarthak. She seemed completely out of it."Hey, beautiful lady."A slight crease formed on her forehead as she looked at him like he had just grown a second head."Your husband's in front of you. Food's in front of you. With beauty and taste on the table, how are you still worrying?"She blinked, momentarily thrown off by his words. That was so unlike Vikrant Agnihotri. He never spoke like that—at least not since she had met him. But maybe... maybe for her, he was willing to try things he hadn't before.Vikrant wiggled his eyebrows playfully."Mm," she looked back down at her plate."I'm not really hungry," she murmured as an excuse."How's that possible?"She looked up again just in time to see him pulling her plate toward himself."Let me feed you. They say food tastes better when fed by a husband."She had heard that a mother's hands are full of love but never about a husband's.He prepared a morsel for her with exaggerated care."Who says that?" she asked, eyeing him curiously as he offered the bite to her. She silently took it into her mouth."Me. Who else?"And a chuckle escaped her lips. Of course the answer had to be that." Give me. I'll have it-"" No," he did not let her take the plate and fed her another bite." Now, I have taken the lead you have to accept this service from your husband, ma'am."Pari giggled softly, the corners of her lips lifting with a warmth she hadn't even realized she was craving. There was something oddly soothing about this domestic side of him—one she never imagined the ruthless Vikrant Agnihotri would possess, let alone display so casually." And here is the last bite," he said after feeding her the last bite.She swallowed her foot after chewing on it and said," Aapne to kuch khaya nahi."( But you didn't eat anything.)He pushed her empty plate aside and said while patting his stomach once, " I am full-"And just then his stomach gruggled." Okay. Maybe I am not."She giggled and With care, she served him a generous portion of his favorite dish, her movements soft, almost reverent.Vikrant raised an eyebrow. "That's a lot. Are you trying to make me fat?"Pari rolled her eyes, lips curled in a smile. "I'm trying to feed a man who barely eats when he's busy plotting the downfall of half the city."He let out a low chuckle, amused by her sass. " Touché."He took the first bite, and she watched him intently—too intently, maybe. Her elbows rested on the table, chin slightly tilted, her eyes drinking in every detail of his face as he chewed.The way his jaw moved, the slight narrowing of his eyes when he tasted the spice, how he made a satisfying expression when the foot matched his expectations—it was all oddly endearing. Familiar. Hers.He looked up mid-bite and caught her staring."What?" he asked with a crooked grin, a bit of rice still on his lip.She smiled softly and shook her head, leaning forward to gently wipe the corner of his mouth with the edge of the napkin." Nothing."He chuckled and she frowned." Don't lie. Just admit I am handsome," he ate a bite." When did I disagree?"" Ahn?" He raised his eyebrows and she nodded.He swallowed his food and casually prepared another bite. "Don't you think I deserve something for being this handsome?"She tilted her head thoughtfully. "What? Recognition? You should probably be a model then."The sincerity in her voice made him grin wider."Maybe... but I think a night with my wife would be enough."Color bloomed across her cheeks, and she blinked at him, stunned. "Just one night?"" Kitni pyari ho tum, har raat dena chahti ho hume."( You're so sweet—offering every night without me even asking.)She gasped and almost threw napkin at his face. The way he twisted her words." You are so.. clever."She scoffed lightly, turning her face to a side to hide her blush while he laughed.Vikrant leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as he stared at her with a mock-serious expression."You know, with that look on your face, you're just tempting me to flirt more," he said, his voice low and teasing.Pari arched an eyebrow. "Is that a warning or a threat?""A promise," he replied.She let out a dramatic sigh, tapping her fingers against the table. "What do I do with you?"He grinned. "Love me endlessly, feed me lovingly, and blush adorably like you're doing right now.""I am not blushing," she said quickly, crossing her arms.He tilted his head. "Then what's that pink spreading on your cheeks, baby? Paint?"Pari groaned and hid her face in her hands. "You're so full of yourself."He laughed, reaching over to gently pull her hands down.She tried to glare at him, but the warmth in his eyes melted her resolve. "One day you'll say something cheesy and I won't react at all."" That day," he had another bite, " will never come."" Don't challenge me."" Oh, I love challenges."" What if you lose?"" What else? You will still be mine. It doesn't matter."She sighed and shook her head in disbelief." Trust me, you'll blush even if you turn 80."She laughed. Since their confession, something has surely changed in their relationship. They are no longer hesitant to open up, show their affection and ofcourse flirt which is done by him only. Because Pari's sure she would be terrible at this task.....Past 5 PMThe soft clinking of a teacup being placed on its saucer echoed in the drawing room, but the tension in the air overpowered even the elegance of the space. Golden hour light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, throwing long shadows across the marbled floor where the Agnihotri family had gathered—though the mood was anything but warm.Sarthak sat uncomfortably in his wheelchair, shoulders hunched, eyes glued to the floor."Why did you do it?" Angad's voice cut through the silence. Deep and steady, but undeniably laced with disappointment.Anubhav stood beside him, arms crossed tightly over his chest. "You let Vikrant humiliate you in front of everyone, and for what? An apology?"Tamannah's lips were pressed in a tight line, her eyes not on her brother but on her husband. "He was trying to make amends. Is that so wrong?"Kiara and Sushmita sat beside their mother, unusually quiet. Even they could sense the brewing storm in the room."An apology doesn't mean you bow your head and let someone trample over your dignity," Anubhav snapped. "You could've forget that. Why that?"Sarthak opened his mouth, perhaps to defend himself, perhaps to explain—but no sound came. He glanced up at Ranvijay for the first time, as if seeking some kind of unspoken support.Ranvijay, leaning against a pillar with arms crossed loosely, had been observing everything in silence. His sharp gaze had moved from face to face, studying Angad's scowl, Anubhav's outrage, Tamannah's discomfort, the girls' unease and finally landed on Sarthak.The entire room was reacting to an apology like it was a crime.He stepped forward slowly, drawing everyone's attention."I don't understand something," he said, voice calm and detached. "It was an apology. One man admitting his mistake. A rare thing, honestly. Yet everyone is treating it like a betrayal."Angad's brows furrowed. "You weren't there when Vikrant made a mockery of him."" So what, papa? Mama was not a saint either. He harassed bhabhi-"" Stop calling her that! She's not your sister-in-law and it would be better if you realise it as soon as possible-"" I won't. She's my sister-in-law. She is the eldest the daughter of Agnihotri's and wife of Vikrant Agnihotri. Nobody can change the truth."Angad's fist clenched on the armrest of the chair. "You're blinded by emotions, Ranvijay."Ranvijay stepped closer, voice steady but unyielding. "No, I'm blinded by the truth that this family refuses to accept."Anubhav let out a frustrated scoff. "You always side with Vikrant, no matter what."Ranvijay looked directly at him. " I will. Because for once, he's standing with someone who deserved to be stood up for. And mama-" he turned his gaze to the man in the wheelchair,  "deserved every bit of that discomfort.""Ranvijay!" Tamannah snapped."No, chachi," he said, turning toward her gently, "You're his sister, you'll always protect him. But don't forget, when you protect someone from the consequences of their own actions, you're not saving them. You're destroying them."Angad rose slowly from his seat, tone commanding, "Ranvijay. You're crossing lines.""I haven't even reached the line yet," Ranvijay replied coldly. "Because if I did, we'd have to talk about what mama did before that apology. About what he almost did."The air thickened.Sarthak shifted uncomfortably.Anubhav's jaw tensed. "We said we wouldn't bring that up-"" But maybe we should," Ranvijay said, voice lowering dangerously.Sugandha's eyes welled up, her young voice cracking. "Why does it feel like this family is breaking apart over this?"Tamannah closed her eyes briefly. "Because no one's listening.""No," Ranvijay said. "Because too many people are speaking half-truths and pretending it's justice."Angad, chest heaving, met his son's eyes. " You think you know better?"Ranvijay didn't blink. "No. But I know when a woman's pain is being minimized, and when a man's ego is being prioritized."Anubhav scoffed bitterly. "Big words, Ranvijay. But you don't understand the weight of protecting a family name.""No, chacha, you don't understand the weight of justice. You've spent your whole life preserving names while smothering truths beneath them."Sarthak's head dropped even further, shame draped around him like a cloak.Anubhav took a step forward. " You talk like you're wiser than all of us."" No, I am just taking a stand for my bhabhi. A woman who was harassed and deserved much more than a apology."A thick silence followed his words. No one dared to argue.Sugandha, who had been silently observing all this while, set down her teacup with a faint clink. Her voice came out soft, brittle like old parchment but clear. "Sometimes, the younger ones hold more courage than the elders."Everyone stilled.Sugandha's eyes met Ranvijay's. There was no judgment in them. Just acknowledgment." Maa-"" Stop it! Stop it, everyone!"Tamanaah interugged in a infuriated voice."My brother apologized. Just stop discussing this!" she yelled, her voice trembling. "He's not okay. He hasn't been okay since that night. And what are we doing? Sitting here, pointing fingers at people."Tears welled in her eyes as she turned to Angad and then to her husband, Anubhav. "You think this is easy for me? Watching him tremble every time someone raises their voice? He has nightmares. He barely eats. You should see the way he flinches at sudden sounds."Sarthak sat still in his corner, jaw clenched tight, knuckles white from gripping the arms of his wheelchair."Why is no one trying to find the monster who did this to him?" Tamannah asked, her voice breaking. "Why is this house echoing with questions for Pari and Vikrant when the real enemy walks free?"No one had an answer. Not even Angad.Just then, the heavy front doors creaked open.Footsteps—measured, confident, approached.Vikrant Agnihotri entered, his presence pulling the tension even tighter. He wasn't in his usual tailored jacket this time, just a simple black shirt with sleeves rolled up to his forearms, veins prominent, a steel watch glinting against his skin.He glanced once at Sarthak, then at Tamannah, and finally swept his eyes across the room, pausing at Ranvijay and Sugandha.And then, he smiled. Not the mocking one. But a faint, unreadable one."Is this a family meeting I wasn't invited to?" he asked casually, his tone soaked in something heavier than sarcasm.The room was silent again, as if waiting for a fuse to catch flame." Please, Vikrant!"Angad hissed in irritation. Vikrant arched a brow at Angad's sharp tone but didn't retaliate. Instead, he offered a tight, almost indifferent smile."I didn't come here to fight, Papa," he said, his voice calm but carrying enough weight to hush the room again. "Believe it or not, I'm not interested in family theatrics today."He turned slightly, his eyes now fixed on his father with the quiet authority that came so naturally to him."I came for something important," he added. "We need to talk, remember?Study room. Now, if you're free."Angad looked taken aback for a brief second, by his son's restraint, perhaps, or maybe by the sharp shift from mock to businesslike. Vikrant didn't wait for approval. He turned, walking down the hall with the same deliberate ease he'd entered with, not bothering to look back.Angad eventually rose, brushing invisible dust off his kurta." Drama's not over yet," he muttered and walked off to the study.⋆༺✷༻⋆To be continue. Read more chapters in scrollstack as early access.