chapter 35

The second match began with more energy. Ranvijay cracked his knuckles dramatically, drawing a chuckle from Pari.Vikrant only raised an eyebrow. He didn't say anything, just adjusted his seat, and focused back on the board.The first few shots were intense.Ranvijay managed to pocket a disc right in his first strike, and earned a clap from his mother and sister-in-law.Akansha smiled, watching the growing warmth between her children. It was something she thought she would never witness. Her eldest, who had built walls around himself so high that even family couldn't peek in, he was letting those walls crack, even if he wouldn't admit it.Vikrant, meanwhile, played with effortless skill. Each move was measured, precise but somehow, there was a certain... slackness to his effort this time. Almost unnoticeable. Almost.As this continued, his efforts went noticed by Akansha and Pari.She tilted her head slightly and stared at her husband with a slight frown. He.. he's letting Ranvijay win.Akansha pressed her lips into a small smile but didn't reply. She could see it too. A mother could always see.Halfway through the game, Vikrant deliberately took a shot that clearly missed an easy pocket. Ranvijay frowned suspiciously but then shook his head, too caught up in the excitement.For the first time in years, Ranvijay wasn't trying to prove himself to his elder brother.He was just playing.Laughing, cheering, pouting when he missed, like a boy who didn't have the burden of a fractured bond weighing on his shoulders.And Vikrant watched it all quietly, feeling something stir inside him, something warm and painful all at once. A part of him whispered that he could never erase the years they had lost, the silence, the resentment. But maybe, just maybe, he could try now.Maybe he could choose differently.Finally, with one smooth strike, Ranvijay pocketed the Queen and then the cover in quick succession. He threw his hands up in victory."I won!" he squealed.Both Pari and Akansha smiled for him.Third set started.Game continued but Vikrant's moves were the same as before. Victory almost slipped from his hand when he missed the Queen. Deliberately.And eventually, Ranvijay won the game.Ranvijay turned toward Vikrant, his chest heaving slightly from excitement. "You didn't let me win, right?"Vikrant leaned back, nonchalantly."Don't flatter yourself," he said dryly, though his eyes softened when he saw Ranvijay's glowing face."Fair win," Vikrant said under his breath, loud enough only for Ranvijay to hear.Ranvijay's smile widened, and for the first time in a long time, there were no walls between them. No fights, no competition. Just two brothers sitting on the same side of life, not opposite."Now," Vikrant said after a beat, playing mindlessly with the striker. "Your wish."Ranvijay's excitement faltered for a second as he thought. His eyes darted towards Pari, who gave him a thumbs up.A smile formed on his lips as he parted his mouth to say-" Attend my award ceremony."The drawing room went still for a second.Vikrant's finger froze as he stopped fidgeting with the striker.He stared at Ranvijay like he was seeing him for the first time. Of all the wishes Ranvijay could have made, like a luxury car, a trip, a team jersey signed by celebrities, hours of video games, endless movie outings, he had chosen this.Just this.A simple request that held so much more weight than any material thing ever could.Vikrant felt something clutch inside his chest, painful and heavy.He had already planned to attend, silently, anonymously even if he had tobecause deep inside, he was proud.Proud of the boy who had once been left behind by fate, yet stood today with his head high. But hearing it from Ranvijay, hearing that his presence mattered more than anything else, it melted something sharp and stubborn inside him.Ranvijay, for a second, looked nervous at Vikrant's silence."If you don't want to, it's okay-" he began hurriedly, scratching the back of his neck.But Vikrant interrupted him, voice rough and low."I'll be there."Ranvijay blinked, almost disbelieving."You promise?" he asked cautiously, like a child seeking reassurance.Vikrant's lips quivered slightly, not quite a smile, but something close.He reached across and knocked his knuckles lightly against Ranvijay's forehead — a rare, teasing gesture that startled everyone."Idiot," he muttered, fondly. "You should've wished for something bigger. I'm giving you a once-in-a-lifetime offer."Ranvijay smiled with a pinch of longing." Nothing can match your presence."The simple honesty in that sentence shattered the last bit of distance between them.Pari wiped a tear discreetly, pretending she was just rubbing her eye.Vikrant leaned back, letting out a deep breath through his nose, composing himself."Alright then," he said, his voice steady but his heart anything but,"I'll be there."The board game lay forgotten between them, but none of them cared anymore. The real win had already happened.Both of them turned their gaze to the ladies only to frown upon seeing their mother." Maa? Tum roni lagi?"( Maa? You started crying?)Vikrant asked with a disbelieving expression while Ranvijay chuckled softly." This ain't an emotional movie, maa."Akansha wiped her tears hurriedly, laughing a little to cover up her emotions."I'm just-" she cleared her throat, "I'm just happy."Pari smiled warmly, her heart swelling with pride seeing the simple, imperfect, yet precious bond blooming between the two brothers."Don't cry, maa," Ranvijay said in a half-joking tone, tapping the carrom board lightly. "Next time we'll even let you play and win.""Wow," Vikrant muttered sarcastically, "such a noble offer."They all laughed.And in the middle of it all, Vikrant sat silently, feeling something he hadn't allowed himself to feel in a long, long time. Belonging.Maybe fixing a broken family wasn't about grand gestures. Maybe it was these small, quiet moments.And maybe, for the first time, Vikrant was willing to give it a chance.....Pari startled a little when a grip landed around her wrist, and before she could react, Vikrant had already pulled her toward their bedroom, his strides quick and deliberate. The distance wasn't much, and within a few seconds, he pushed the door open and tugged her inside.The door clicked shut behind them and before she could say a word, Vikrant pinned her lightly against it. His hands rested on either side of her head, trapping her between his arms and his tall frame.Pari's breath hitched as she looked up at him, her back pressed against the door, the sudden proximity sending her heart into a wild race.Vikrant's dark eyes stared into hers."You," he muttered, voice deep and teasing.He gently cupped her chin, tilting her face upward, forcing her to meet his gaze properly."Instead of supporting your husband, you were celebrating my loss?"His tone was laced with amusement, and finally, Pari allowed herself to breathe again. So this was what it was about."What was wrong in that?" she teased back, her eyes gleaming mischievously."Who supports a weak player anyway?""Oh really?" he smirked, his palm now caressing her cheek."I'm a seasoned player in every field. You can test it yourself if you want.""Like what?" she challenged, raising a brow.He leaned in closer, until his breath warmed her lips."Like... I'm at the top in business. I've won plenty of awards in sports too. Always scored well in academics. And-""And?" she pressed, frowning slightly, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.A sly smile curled his lips as he inched even closer, his voice dropping into a whisper."And... When it comes to love, I can be dangerously good. You can try me."A deep blush crept up Pari's cheeks, her heart hammering wildly inside her chest.Pari flushed crimson and quickly pushed him away, slipping past him to escape the intensity of the moment. She needed to breathe properly before her heart gave up."R-Really?" she stammered, trying to sound bold but miserably failing."I believe you'll fail there too!" she blurted out without thinking, her back now facing him.The room went dangerously silent for a moment.Then, Vikrant's voice came from right behind her, low and deliciously dangerous."I can prove it tonight."Pari's entire body stiffened as if she had been struck by lightning. Butterflies, no, full-blown hurricanes danced wildly in her stomach. Her fingers twisted nervously in the hem of her kurti as she cursed herself internally.Why, why had she challenged him?Before she could react, she felt Vikrant's arms snake around her waist from behind, pulling her flush against him. His chin rested lightly on her shoulder, his voice a warm tease against her ear."Want me to prove?"Pari squeezed her eyes shut, her cheeks burning as she bit her lip to hold back a laugh or maybe a sigh.God save her." Uhm.."The sound barely escaped her lips before it dissolved into the thick air between them. Pari's mind went blank, utterly blank as Vikrant brushed his lips just below her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.Her fists clenched at her sides, nails digging into her palms, as she felt him shift even closer, his warm hand pressing firmly against her belly.The thin fabric of her kurti did nothing to stop the heat of his touch. His fingers, slow and determined, tried to tease their way in her navel over the fabric.Pari's breath hitched audibly, her body frozen, caught between wanting to push him away and wanting to melt into him completely."You were saying something about me failing?"His voice was a dark murmur against her ear, wickedly teasing.Her legs felt like jelly. She couldn't even gather a single coherent thought, let alone form a witty comeback."Hn. Uh-"A gasp escaped her mouth when he flipped her around and pulled her closer to himself. She opened her eyes and looked into his eyes." To? Saabit karein?"( Should I prove?)She widened her eyes slightly and slowly shook her head. A soft chuckle escaped his mouth and he tenderly tucked the strands of her hair behind the ear." No?"She dropped her eyelashes shyly and felt him pressing his lips on her forehead. She smiled and rested her hands on his chest, over the fabric of the T-shirt." Let's sleep," she murmured and he was quick to make out the double meaning." Sleep?"She gasped and slapped his chest, earning a heartfelt laughter from him.She pulled back and walked to the bed while he removed his T-shirt by pulling it over his head and threw it on the couch before joining her on the bed."So?"He slipped under the same duvet as her, switching off the bedside lamp with a soft click."Are you happy?"He turned toward her, sliding one arm beneath her head and wrapping the other gently around her waist."About?" she asked, shifting to face him completely.He shrugged lightly. "About what happened downstairs."A wide smile tugged at her lips. "So much. Did you see how happy bhaiya looked?" she beamed. Then her brow furrowed slightly."And you? Why did you lose the game deliberately?"A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes."Weren't you just calling me a loser a few minutes ago?" he teased."Tsk. Just tell me," she made a face at him, insisting, "you wanted bhaiya to win, didn't you?"He blinked, memories of Ranvijay's excitement flashing before his eyes — the gleam of genuine happiness, the laughter, the way he played like a carefree child.A soft smile formed on Vikrant's lips." Hm."Pari's heart melted even more. She reached out, cupping his face tenderly." Aap kitne pyare hain," she couldn't stop herself from praising him.( You are so sweet.)A crease formed on his forehead.A crease formed on his forehead." Just because I deliberately lost the game?"She nodded eagerly.His lips curled into a sly smirk."And what if..." he trailed off mischievously, "what if I deliberately do this?""What?" she asked, puzzled.Before she could blink, she felt the zip of her kurti sliding down in one swift motion.Her hands instantly flew to her chest in panic, afraid the fabric might slip."Now? Am I still sweet?" he asked, thoroughly amused.She pushed his hand away, glaring at him."No. You're mad now!"She sat up and he chuckled, staring at her exposed part of back through the open zipper but she made a fatal attempt to zip her suit up by moving her hands behind.Sitting up quickly, she struggled to reach behind her back, trying to fix the zipper with clumsy fingers.She had barely managed to pull it halfway when he caught her wrist and tugged her back down, this time landing her softly on top of him.She blinked at him several times, confused and flustered."Why are you doing this?" she blurted in a mix of anger and shy helplessness. "What if I do the same? How will you feel?"He grinned devilishly."What? You'll start undressing me? Well," he tucked a stray lock of her hair behind her ear, "I've not worn anything on top... and if you want to open what's underneath-"He took a pause of a few seconds."Go ahead. I don't mind."Her cheeks flamed in a deep shade of crimson.Completely overwhelmed, she buried her face in his chest and mumbled," Aap itne besharam kyu hain?"(Why are you so shameless?)He chuckled softly, pressing his palm firmly against her back where her zip was still half-open." Besharam hain, paapi nahi."(I'm shameless, but not sinful.)Well... maybe just a little sinful, he thought with a helpless sigh."Can... I go now?" she mumbled, still refusing to lift her head.His arm tightened gently around her waist."No. Stay like this."She gave in with a soft chuckle, resting her cheek against his heart, feeling its steady rhythm.Both of them knew that they always started the night like this. Her lying delicately over him, his arms wrapped around her protectively, but by morning, Vikrant would be sprawled over half the bed, practically smothering her under his weight and claiming even her side of the mattress.She smiled quietly at the thought."Now what habit of mine is making you smile to yourself?" he asked without even opening his eyes.She frowned playfully, still half-asleep."How do you even know I was thinking about you?"He smiled against her hair."Because you don't smile like that for anyone else except me."She chuckled against his chest."True."And in the comforting cocoon of each other's arms, they both drifted into a peaceful sleep.The morning sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, filling the room with a soft golden glow. The gentle sound of birds outside blended with the rustle of fabric as Pari adjusted her dress.She was dressed neatly for her university — a pastel-colored kurti paired with fitted jeans, minimal makeup, and a cute little watch on her wrist. Her books were stacked neatly on the table.Just as she was about to pick up her bag, a pair of strong arms circled around her waist from behind, pulling her back gently.She smiled knowingly without turning around." I wanted you to attend the press conference," came Vikrant's low, husky voice against her ear. His bare chest touched her back, still a little wet from the bath.There was a boyish honesty in his voice, something he rarely showed so openly.Pari's heart melted a little, but she bit her lip, hesitant.She turned in his arms to face him properly. "Today's really important."He exhaled through his nose, clearly disappointed but trying not to show it too much."University..." he muttered like a sulking child.She smiled and tiptoed slightly to kiss his cheek."University," she confirmed.He caught her wrist playfully."At least wish me luck?"She placed her palm over his chest." Best of luck."" Tsk," he removed her hand from his chest and lightly twisted it behind her back to pull her closer. She frowned as he cupped her cheek with his free hand." This is not how you should wish your husband good luck, Pari."" Then?"He glanced at her lips and it did not take her a second to understand his intentions." A kiss would be way better."A shy smile appeared on her lips, " you know.. I miss the old you."He frowned, " what's wrong with this one?"He left her wrist and she put her both hands on his shoulders." This one has become very flirtatious and shameless," she murmured.Vikrant chuckled under his breath, the deep sound vibrating through his chest."You sure you're talking about me? Because as far as I remember..." he leaned closer, brushing his nose lightly against hers, "you're the one who has changed."Pari's cheeks flushed with warmth. She tried to step back, but his hands settled firmly on her waist, refusing to let her go."I miss my old Pari," he whispered teasingly, " who was clinging to me on the very first day of her University and now only thinking of running away from me."She narrowed her eyes playfully."That old Pari was innocent. This new Pari knows all your tactics."He smirked devilishly."Tab to naye Vikrant ke naye tareeke apnane padenge."( Then you have to accept the new Vikrant.)Before she could even process his words, he dipped his head slightly and placed a soft, lingering kiss on her forehead.Then another one, just at the corner of her lips, featherlight.Pari's heart raced wildly in her chest. She bit her lip, blushing uncontrollably now. Gathering her courage, she quickly pecked his lips and muttered." I don't want to reapply my gloss."Before he could pull her into a kiss, she pulled back, grabbed her bag and ran outside the room. He chuckled and exhaled heavily. He walked toward the wardrobe to get ready....The sun was mellow, a soft golden warmth stretching across the University grounds. Students lounged under trees, scattered across the grass, enjoying their break between classes.Pari and Prena sat cross-legged under a big tree, their bags tossed carelessly beside them. A half-eaten packet of chips lay open between them.Prena tossed a chip into her mouth and laughed as Pari shared a humorous incident of last night when Ranvijay successfully provoked Vikrant by calling him old. Aftermath? Both ended up playing a good match.Prena shook her head, smiling fondly."God, Pari, you talk about them like they're teenagers. It's cute though. You're always sharing these little moments... tell me honestly," she suddenly leaned closer, her tone becoming mock-serious, "do you trust me that much?"Pari smiled warmly and tilted her head."Can I not trust you?"Prena's eyes softened. She chuckled and leaned back against the trunk of the tree, resting her arms behind her head."Of course you can, silly." She smiled lazily. "Then, then what happened? After the match? What did your brother-in-law ask for?"Pari's smile widened at the memory."Bhaiya won the match... technically. Vikrant lost deliberately because he wanted to make him happy."She plucked a blade of grass and twirled it between her fingers."And when it was time for bhaiya to ask for his wish... he didn't ask for anything material."Prena leaned in, curiosity shining in her eyes."Then?"A content smile played on her lips."He just asked Vikrant to attend his award ceremony."Prena's mouth parted slightly in surprise, her expression softening."Aww... that's so pure."Pari nodded, still smiling. She looked at Prena when she said suddenly,"You're lucky, you know."Pari turned to her, surprised."Lucky?""Yeah. You married into a family where you can feel loved. I mean, not everyone gets a good family and look at you, your in-laws love you very much."Pari smiled, blinking at her. Only if she knew the truth of her life.Pari hummed dryly.Their laughter faded, and for a few minutes, only the rustle of leaves and the distant chatter of other students filled the silence between them.Pari, still smiling, suddenly asked,"By the way, Prena... you never talk about your family. How are they?"The question, innocent and casual, seemed to land heavily between them.Prena's fingers stilled over the grass she had been playing with.A long, dragging silence followed.Pari felt her heart sink a little and immediately regretted asking.She was about to change the topic, say something silly, anything to erase the sudden heaviness when Prena finally spoke, her voice quiet and distant."Well... even I had a great family."Pari blinked at the choice of words. Had?Before she could ask, Prena took a slow, deep breath, like she was carefully picking her way across broken glass."My parents... they loved me so much once. More than anything. I was their world. But everything changed the day I turned eighteen. Maa wanted me to walk the path she chose for me. Papa wanted me to follow his."She gave a hollow chuckle, one that didn't reach her eyes."But no one ever asked me what I wanted."Pari leaned forward earnestly."You can tell them, na? They love you, Prena. They'll understand."Prena smiled slightly, but it was the kind of smile that spoke of old wounds and dreams buried too deep.Her gaze was far away, somewhere beyond the trees, beyond the University walls."They wouldn't," she whispered."You know, sometimes... the home that once felt like a temple can turn into a cage. And the people who once lit your world with love..."Her voice trailed off for a second before she whispered,"...can become the reason you lose faith in everything you ever believed."Pari watched her, stunned into silence.Prena's fingers absently twisted a thread on her kurti, a nervous habit, as she continued in that same low, almost haunted voice,"The truth is, Pari... love wasn't the only thing living under my roof. There were lies too. Silent lies that dripped into our lives day by day, poisoning everything before I could even understand it."She swallowed hard."And when the lies grew too heavy, so did the silence. They never spoke about it. I never dared to ask. I guess... we all just chose the parts of each other we wanted to believe."A soft gust of wind blew, lifting a few strands of Prena's hair across her face.She didn't bother tucking them away.Pari sat frozen, the chips long forgotten, feeling the ache hiding in her friend's voice.Prena closed her eyes briefly, then looked at Pari with a tiny, almost apologetic smile."But don't worry. I'm not broken. Just... a little misplaced, maybe."She lifted her shoulders in a small shrug, as if brushing the weight off."And misplaced things can always be found again, right?"Pari nodded slowly, her throat tight, not trusting herself to speak.Prena leaned back against the tree once more, tilting her face toward the sun, letting the light soak into her tired bones.Pari stared at her friend, realizing that sometimes... the people who laughed the loudest were the ones carrying the heaviest secrets.The breeze shifted, but the sudden chill running down Pari's spine had nothing to do with the weather.They had barely spoken a few words after Prena's confession when the heavy sound of footsteps broke their bubble of silence.Three guys.Casual, arrogant strides.The kind of boys who didn't need to say anything to make the air uncomfortable, their mere presence was enough.Pari and Prena both frowned as the group stopped right in front of them, blocking the sunlight.Pari felt her body stiffen automatically, instinctively pulling her knees a little closer.Prena straightened, sharp-eyed, ready to speak if needed.One of the guys, taller than the others, with a smirk that sent a shiver through Pari's bones, tilted his head at her."So," he drawled slowly, eyes gleaming with a mocking, almost knowing light, "you finally found your way... out?"The words fell heavy and sharp.Pari sat frozen. Prena frowned instantly.Her heart slammed against her ribs painfully, a thousand horrible memories crashing over her.Did he recognize me?Was he there...?The guy's smirk widened, sensing the fear even if he didn't fully understand it.The polished mahogany table reflected the weight of the empire — generations of legacy, power, blood, and ambition, all gathered in one expansive room.Around it sat the board members, a sea of suits and seasoned faces.At the head of it, Vikrant Agnihotri sat with ease. Sharp suit. Sharper eyes.A slow, steady authority that silenced the room better than any raised voice could.Beside him, Ranvijay leaned back casually, arms folded across his chest. Anubhav and Angad, too, were present there."Effective immediately," Vikrant's voice cut through the silence, smooth and cold, "I will be assuming 60% ownership and decision-making authority within the Agnihotri Empire."Almost all the board members were satisfied by the news. Vikrant's business tactics and success has never gone unnoticed by them. He would surely take the empire out from its loss.But Angad?Angad gritted his teeth so hard, the vein in his jaw twitched visibly.This wasn't how it was supposed to go.Not by a long shot.Vikrant continued, signing the final document with a flourish before sliding it toward the legal advisor.The deal was done.Irrevocable.The empire was now more his than anyone else's.Angad's hands clenched into fists beneath the table.This boy, no, this man, who he had raised to be obedient, strategic, cold had turned into a fire he couldn't control anymore.And just then, Vikrant's phone buzzed lightly against the table, the screen lighting up with a notification.Angad's narrowed eyes caught it.A photo.Soft. Pure. Smiling in the sunlight.Pari.The name burned in his chest like acid.The girl he never wanted in their world.The reason his perfectly constructed plans were now nothing but crumbling ruins.Pari...The only thorn.The only rebellion.The only chaos he hadn't been able to predict when Vikrant brought her into their family.Angad's fingers twitched as he forced himself to sit still.He was losing. And it wasn't the boardroom politics or the shifting alliances that were defeating him. It was her.The girl who had changed Vikrant completely. He was no longer hesitant to show his hatred towards them. It seems as if the Vikrant of childhood has returned.The same question again. The same anger again. The same arrogance again. The same resentment again. Again, again, again!Vikrant, catching his father's glare, smirked slightly and picked up his phone, locking it deliberately.Almost as if daring him to say something.Angad's teeth pressed into a thin, furious line.The boy who once sought even a sliver of his approval now looked at him as if he were nothing more than a formality in the room, someone whose opinions held no weight anymore.Pari.The name slithered through his mind again.She had destroyed the carefully sculpted, ruthless machine he had built.She had resurrected the version of Vikrant he thought had been long buried — the rebellious, emotional child who refused to be molded.His fists loosened and he leaned back, a sinister calm washing over him.If he could not crush Vikrant directly...He would go for the roots.Angad reached for his phone.And sometimes, sometimes, it was easier to break a kingdom through its queen.His eyes sparkled devilishly as he saw a message.We have managed to get inside. Gotta complete the work soon.⋆༺✷༻⋆To be continued. Read more chapters in scrollstack as early access.