chapter 40

Pari's sleep broke as the sun rays caressed her face through the opened window. She turned on her back, still feeling an arm snaked around her bare waist.She lazily opened her eyes and took a minute to adjust her vision. A soft breath escaped her mouth and just then she felt the way he was sleeping. A crease formed on her forehead. Her underskirt was slid up to her thigh while his one leg rested proudly on her both legs. His arms? One was under her head and the other...Never mind, it was slowly adjusting up to her breast but before he could, she removed his arm and sat up.He groaned in irritation and turned on his stomach, pressing his cheek against the pillow. She looked behind at him and chuckled because he looked so adorable with messy hair and pouty lips.She fixed her hair and got down from the bed. Her underskirt slipped down as she made her way to the bathroom, grabbing her saree and panty on the way which caused her to recall the moment spent between them last night.Pari stepped into the bathroom, locking the door behind her. Her fingers grazed over her bare skin as she stared at her reflection. The faded marks he left on her neck and stomach made her cheeks flush. She twisted the tap, letting cold water fill her cupped hands before splashing it over her face, hoping to wash away the crimson blooming on her cheeks.She brushed her teeth then went to the cubicle to take a shower. Her clothes rested on a basket as she stood under the shower, letting the water soothe her skin and nerves. Her fingers moved gently through her hair as she applied shampoo, and a smile played on her lips as flashes of last night returned.Once done, she wrapped a towel around herself and stepped out, careful not to wake him. She quietly opened the wardrobe and picked a soft light blue plain saree. The fabric was light, modest and exactly what she needed to remind herself of normalcy after such an overwhelming night.She dried her hair with the towel and parted it down the middle, pinning it loosely. A small bindi graced her forehead, she added gold earrings to complete the look. She didn't feel like applying much makeup, just a dash of kajal, moisturizer and a tint of lip balm.Her eyes flickered to the bed through the mirror, he was still lying there, tangled in the sheets, one arm outstretched where she had once been.A strange calm settled in her chest.She sat on the stool to wear a new pair of bangles and just then her phone rang. She frowned and picked up the call of Prena, shrugging the strange thought that why she called at 8 AM?" Good morning, Prena."She smiled and wished cheerfully." Uhm, hey Pari. Good morning. Did I call at the wrong time?"" Of Course not," Pari replied.Prena smiled from the other side, " you seem happy. Are you okay now?"Pari blinked, recalling that Prena was calling her after 2 days from the incident at the university. Yes, she was okay." I am fine now. You say? Is there anything important?"Pari tilted her head and kept mobile against her ear by resting it on the shoulder. She grabbed bangles and started putting them on." Uhm, remember you asked me to... Come to your home. Uh, Can I come this evening?"Pari frowned and Prena continued." I mean.. I'll be busy after today, so.. and I even want to meet you."When Pari said nothing for 5 seconds, Prena broke her silence." It's okay. I.. I wouldn't come-"" No no, it's alright. I was just- anyways, you are always welcome, Prena. Come anytime. I'll be waiting for you."Prena smiled widely from the other side." Thank you. Thankyou.. I.. I'll be there at 5."Pari chuckled, " sure."And Prena disconnected the call. Pari put the phone down and stood up.She stepped out of the room quietly, her anklets making the faintest sound as she moved down the hallway.She moved to the kitchen and smiled seeing Kamla." Tai, let me help you."" It's okay, bahurani. Everything's done."Pari's expression fell but soon lightened up as she said enthusiastically." Then let me make tea at least."" It's okay-"" Please," Pari said and walked beside her.Kamla tai chuckled softly, her eyes crinkling at Pari's insistence. "You are stubborn," she said fondly, wiping her hands with the edge of her saree.Pari smiled." Okay then, I will be going to the temple," Kamla said before stepping out of the kitchen.Pari tucked her pallu and moved around the kitchen with a quiet grace, placing the saucepan on the stove, adding water, tea leaves, and just the right amount of sugar. The aroma of crushed ginger and cardamom soon began to swirl in the air. She smiled to herself, feeling oddly content.As the tea boiled, she stood with one hand on her waist, the other stirring gently. She reached for the strainer and began pouring the steaming liquid into two cups when suddenly-She felt arms wrap securely around her waist from behind.She gasped."Vikrant!" she whispered, startled."Shh..." he murmured into her ear, his voice still husky from sleep. He nuzzled his nose into the crook of her neck.Her heartbeat jumped as his breath brushed her skin. "You scared me," she mumbled, half-turning in his embrace while still holding the strainer.He looked down at her bindi, her freshly washed hair, the soft fabric of her saree, and let out a quiet sigh."You're glowing," he murmured.Pari flushed and tried to wriggle out of his arms. "Let me serve the tea."She shook her head, biting back a smile.Pari tried to focus, turning toward the counter with the two filled cups. She reached for two more, intending to serve Kamla and her husband, when she felt a subtle tug at her side.Her hand froze mid-air.Her breath hitched.Her husband's fingers had found the neatly tucked edge of her pallu in the band of her saree, and with a teasing slowness, he was pulling it out, inch by inch."Vikrant..." she whispered, barely turning her face, her cheeks already betraying her with a blooming flush.The pallu fluttered free.Her heart fluttered along with it.She immediately clutched the edge and turned toward him with narrowed eyes, whispering, " someone will come. Are you not at all ashamed?"He leaned forward, lips brushing her temple as he murmured, " Jaise ki hum kuch galat kar rahe ho. Tum to hamari patni ho."( As if I am doing something wrong. You are my wife.)She bit back her smile and turned to serve tea again and this time, he calmly put his chin on her shoulder, watching her practiced movements." It's Sunday," he said.She hummed." And I am.. still going for work," he said.She hummed again, " I know. It must be important."His expression dropped. Well, she could have tried to stop him and asked him to take a leave at least today but she did not. Why is she so understanding?He hummed under his breath and slowly stepped back from her, the warmth of his presence lingering as he walked toward the threshold of the kitchen.Just as his hand touched the doorframe-"Suniye..."( Listen..)Her soft voice tugged at him, and he paused, glancing over his shoulder.Pari was placing the cups carefully on the tray, fingers suddenly unsure, her voice escaped in hesitation.Then she looked up, her voice almost uncertain, " can you... not go to work today? I-""Okay!" he replied without a moment's delay.She blinked, still a little stunned, but the edges of her lips curled despite herself.She followed him out of the kitchen, still smiling to herself. She loved the way their relationship was progressing....In the evening,Pari smiled seeing Prena who crossed the threshold and came forward before taking her into a hug." How are you now?"Prena asked and broke the hug. Pari smiled and nodded, " okay."Prena looked up and down and passed her an impressed look, seeing her first time in a saree.Pari blushed then gestured at the living room." Come."Prena nodded and waited for a moment before following Pari. Her smile eventually faded as she looked around the mansion, where she was supposed to live and gather memories. Her heart beat increased and she clutched her hand bag tightly." Prena, sit."Pari brought her back to reality. Prena looked at her and smiled." Yes.."She sat on the couch and Pari called Kamla. She ordered her to bring something for her to have." Tea or coffee?"Prena replied, " tea. Uhm, without ginger."Pari chuckled and nodded. Kamla smiled and left for the kitchen.Pari was about to sit when she heard-" Pari, who's here?"Prena's heart skipped a beat. It was the voice of a woman. Akansha? Yes! Akansha!Pari and Prena looked at the way she was coming from."My friend, maa. Prena. I told you, remember?"Prena's body stiffened.That voice.Prena slowly turned her head.And there she was.Akansha.Graceful. Elegant. Unaware.The woman she had longed to call Maa for as long as she could remember.Akansha's gaze shifted to Prena and softened into a polite smile."Oh yes," she said, stepping closer. "Of course. Welcome, dear."Prena stood up, her voice caught somewhere between her throat and heart. "Thank you... Aunty."The word Aunty tasted like ash.Akansha smiled and reached out to hold her hand briefly. " I've heard so much about you from Pari. It's lovely to finally meet."Prena's lips trembled, but she managed a nod. "Same here..."And as Akansha turned to speak to Pari, Prena stole one last, lingering glance at her mother, standing just a breath away... yet lifetimes apart.Akansha sat beside Pari, and Prena shifted comfortably, schooling her expressions with every ounce of control she had."So, Prena," Akansha began with a pleasant smile, " how's studies going?"Prena blinked. Her throat felt dry, but she managed, " it's going well, Aunty.."She felt a lump forming in her throat by calling her Aunty again.Akansha's eyes lit up. "That's wonderful, I suppose?"Prena nodded, a slight smile tugging her lips. "It is."Her voice was steady, but her heart thudded violently. She wasn't supposed to tear up just because the woman, her mother, was proud of her. But that warmth in Akansha's voice, the genuine interest... it pulled at a place inside Prena that had remained empty for years.Pari leaned forward, her tone casual. "She's being modest. Prena's a rebel."Prena smiled and Akansha chuckled.Akansha turned to Prena, admiration in her eyes. "That's incredible. Even I was Rebel."Akansha talked like she was sharing a deep secret. Pari chuckled and Prena just smiled, unable to speak much.Akansha leaned back slightly, her eyes dancing with a soft mischief. "Really, I gave my parents such a hard time. Especially my father. He never knew what to do with me."She laughed gently, and Prena felt her chest tighten. I wish I could have seen that version of you, Maa... the rebel mother before the world changed you, before they took me away from your arms.Her eyes flicked to Prena again. "But you, there's still fire in you. That's good. It keeps people like us alive in this world."Prena's lips parted, as if to say something, but nothing came. Her throat tightened unbearably. The way Akansha said "people like us," so naturally like she had unknowingly named their bond, made her eyes sting." Are you okay?" Akansha asked, noticing the shift in her expression.Prena quickly nodded. "Yeah... yeah, I'm fine. Just... something in my eye."She looked down, hiding the tears that welled up.Pari jumped in, her voice light. " She's emotional when she doesn't get tea exactly right."Akansha chuckled. "Ah, a perfectionist rebel. Dangerous combination."The three laughed softly, but Prena's smile quivered at the edges. She didn't know how long she could keep pretending. Every passing minute beside her mother, so close, yet unknowingly distant was both a gift and a punishment.Kamla came with tea and put them on the table between them. Pari grabbed one cup and handed it to Akansha while saying," You know, even she doesn't like ginger tea."Akansha fake gasped and grabbed the cup." Aren't we too similar? Is this a universal meetup?"Prena chuckled and grabbed a cup of tea for herself.She gripped her cup tighter, as if anchoring herself to this moment.To this home.To her mother's laughter, even if it wasn't for her." Maa?"Another voice, this time a manly voice interrupted them. Everyone looked behind and saw Vikrant.Prena's mouth parted slightly and she felt even more emotional seeing her brother.Vikrant stepped into the living room with a calm presence, dressed in a simple outfit, his eyes scanning the sitting area before landing on Akansha, then Pari, and finally on Prena.He paused.He frowned before recognising the girl. He forgot to thank her that day."Vikrant, this is my friend, Prena," Pari introduced with a soft smile.Vikrant nodded slightly, then took a step forward. "Nice to meet you."Prena nodded back, whispering, "You too," almost breathlessly.His presence was quiet but commanding. The kind that made her want to shrink and come closer all at once. She had imagined this so many times: meeting him, talking to him, telling him the truth. But now that he was in front of her, so real, so close, she was silent.Akansha patted the space beside her, "Come sit, beta."Vikrant smiled, " you guys carry on. I have work."He went upstairs to his study room and Prena wished to call him, request him to stay a little longer but did she have right? Yes, she did. But her brother was unaware of all the truth.And she was adamant to tell him first. Coming here didn't only mean emotional union, but an intention to shake two families with a deep buried truth.She glanced toward the stairs once again.Prena shifted her attention back to Pari and Akansha and tried listening to them carefully, even though her focus was majorly on Vikrant. She knew only he could pull her from the darkness she had been pushed into.She frowned when in the midst of the conversation, Akansha coughed a few times.Akansha chose to go to her room after a while." Have dinner before going, Prena. I have cooked especially for you."Prena smiled and nodded.Pari sat beside Prena on the couch once Akansha left the room. The hum of the evening settled around them, broken only by the occasional clatter of Kamla preparing dinner in the kitchen."You know," Pari said, trying to sound light, "Maa doesn't let anyone else touch the kitchen when she's cooking for someone she likes."Prena smiled faintly. " That's sweet.""She was so excited you were coming."Prena chuckled, but it was hollow, distant. She kept her eyes on the half-empty teacup in her hand, her fingers wrapped a little too tightly around it.Pari watched her for a moment, then gently asked, "Are you okay?"Prena blinked. "Hmm?""I just..." Pari tilted her head. " I noticed your voice changed. While talking to Maa. A little shaky at times."Prena looked away for a second. She tried to come up with something, anything to deflect the question." I was just... overwhelmed. She's really kind," she said, then quickly added, "Is she... okay though?"Pari's smile faded almost immediately, her face clouding over. She looked down and gave a soft, dry hum. " Hmm."Prena's heart skipped a beat. Something in Pari's expression, the way her fingers curled slightly, already told her what her mind wasn't ready to hear.Pari stood up slowly, brushing her palms against her pallu. "Come with me," she said.She followed Pari up the stairs, her footsteps matching hers. They moved down the corridor, toward the master bedroom.Pari stopped outside the door and turned, her eyes soft but pained." No. She's not."Prena stared at her, her stomach knotting." She has a disease, Prena. A rare one. Eating her from inside," Pari continued, trying to keep her voice steady. "It's terminal. Doctors have tried everything. The medicines just slow it down now. There's no cure."Prena's eyes widened, and her breath hitched. She stepped back without meaning to, as if her legs were trying to escape what her heart couldn't bear."How long...?" she asked, barely able to speak.Pari looked down. "Maybe 6 months. Maybe less. She's getting weaker every day."Prena reached for the doorframe, holding it like it was the only thing keeping her upright. Her throat closed up. Her mind spun.This wasn't how it was supposed to be.She had found her mother... but just as she was slipping away.Tears welled up in her eyes, and her vision blurred. She couldn't step into the room. Not now. Not when the world she had spent years imagining was crumbling in front of her.Pari stepped inside the room, " anyways. She's very strong."Prena swallowed hard and quickly stood straight, regaining her composure, not wanting Pari to suspect her.She forced a smile, " yes she is."" Come," Pari called her and Prena stepped inside the room, even though she was shaking from inside.Her eyes landed on Pari and Vikrant's huge photo frame. She smiled." You too look very good together."Pari smiled, " thankyou."Both of them sat on the bed. If only Prena knew about Pari's surname. If only she knew Pari was the Agnihotri, wife of her brother." You know?"Pari hummed and Prena continued." Those students? They are suspended. University is normal. No student is talking about you."Pari's mouth parted slightly before she uttered, " oh."Prena put her hand on Pari's thigh." I am sure, your husband did all this."Pari hummed, a smile returning on her face. Ofcourse, only he has the audacity to shake the world just for her." Of course he did," she murmured, the pride in her voice unmistakable.Prena watched her carefully. The way Pari spoke of her husband with quiet affection, with unshaken trust, made something stir inside her."He's... protective, isn't he?" Prena asked softly.Pari chuckled under her breath. "Protective is an understatement. He's... storm and shelter, both."Prena's hand tightened just slightly on Pari's thigh. "Does he love you that much?"Pari looked into her eyes that carried more than they revealed. Then she nodded. "More than I've ever seen anyone love."Prena smiled and their conversation continued to a lighter note. A few laughs. A few jokes.Pari showed many pictures of her wedding and even shared a sneak peak of her past and was glad when Prena did not judge her anyhow." Shit. Your husband's a freak."Pari laughed." Like, I am serious. Can I ever get such a man? So crazy for me?"Pari chuckled, " of course you can."She put the album in the almirah and faced Prena sitting on the bed.Time seemed to grab its pace with her. They did not realise when they spent around 1 hour in the bedroom only. Prena's phone rang and she frowned seeing the id of her mother- so called mother.She chewed the inside of her lower lip and grabbed her handbag before standing up." I'll be back."Pari nodded and Prena went out of the bedroom. She silenced her mobile and looked around herself. There was no one. No servant. No family members.Prena moved with silent urgency, her footsteps cushioned by the plush hallway carpet. Her heart hammered in her chest as she reached the corridor where Vikrant's study stood tall, firm, and intimidating, much like the man himself.Just as she raised her hand to push the door, it clicked open.Shit.She gasped silently and took a swift step back, pressing herself against the wall, partially hidden by the curve of a pillar. Vikrant stepped out, his phone glued to his ear, his voice sharp and clipped."I said I want the report on my desk by morning, no excuses. Do you hear me?"He stalked past, his polished shoes tapping with controlled aggression against the marble. Prena watched him disappear down the stairs, exhaling deeply only when his voice faded.Her knees felt weak, but she forced herself upright, clutching her handbag tightly as she slowly opened the study door and slipped inside.The room smelled of old wood, books, and a trace of his cologne.She stood there for a second, absorbing the gravity of what she was about to do.This was no longer just a visit. It was the beginning of truth.She walked straight to the desk and opened her bag with trembling fingers. Inside were carefully arranged documents—birth certificate copies, photos, court statements, and the blood report proving she was Akansha Agnihotri's biological daughter and Vikrant Agnihotri's real sister.Each paper was a thread of the truth that had been hidden, stolen, and suffocated for years.She placed them neatly on his desk, weighed down with a paperweight.She looked around once, her eyes scanning the bookshelves, the perfectly stacked files, the photograph of him with Akansha... a family portrait that should have included her.With one last glance, she turned and slipped out of the study.She went to Pari's bedroom." Uhm, Pari. I have to go."Pari frowned and faced her." Why? Dinner is ready."Prena smiled, " it's urgent. My mother's freaking out."Pari smiled in understanding, not catching the lie that slipped from her mouth. She put the unfolded cloth on the bed and walked to her." Let's go then."Prena nodded and walked beside her. They climbed the stairs down and Prena eventually asked her," Uhm, can you just pack dinner?"Pari looked and they climbed the last stair down." I mean, I don't want her to feel bad. Moreover, dinner seems delicious."Pari chuckled, " you wait here."Prena hummed and Pari went to the kitchen. Prena's smile faded as she stood in the living room alone. She grabbed her phone and opened it. A message flashed on her mobile screen.Where the hell are you Prena! Come back before I myself come to that stupid place!Prena rolled her eyes and shut her mobile. She put it in her handbag and tapped her foot impatiently on the floor. As much as she had heard about Vikrant Agnihotri, she is sure he wouldn't sit quiet after seeing all the relevant things she has left on his table. He has to take action. And she? She's waiting for an opportunity to run from the jail.Her peace did not last long when she heard footsteps. She turned her head behind and felt her blood running cold seeing the man she despised.The reason for her ruined life.Ranvijay Agnihotri.Tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in a crisp black shirt with sleeves rolled at the forearms, he looked every bit the heir of the Agnihotri legacy. Calm. Composed. Dangerous in his silence.But for Prena... he was chaos.He was on the phone call but did not forget to pass her a perplexed look. Prena's gaze followed him as he walked upstairs.He was the man supposed to live in that house.He was supposed to be in the life she is.He was supposed to bear the woman she bears now.But instead-He snatched her mother, her brother, and the beautiful life that was hers.And now, he is living in luxury.She hated him. She hated him to the core of her heart. She was living this damn life because of him.Pari came and forwarded the packed tiffin box to her." Here."Prena came back to reality and smiled before taking the box." Thankyou."Pari folded her hands behind her back, " please come again."" Sure."Pari walked with her to the door. Prena hugged her one last time and walked out.She stopped at the main gate and looked to her right side.Vikrant was still on the phone call.Next time, I'll come here with you, bhai.She smiled faintly and walked out, sitting in her car and driving away from there.⋆༺✷༻⋆To be continue..Share your views in the comment.Read more in scrollstack as early access.