chapter 45

Pari frowned as she spotted Akansha sitting alone on the couch, her expression distant and tense. Changing her path from the kitchen, she walked over and sat beside her."Maa?"Akansha looked up, her eyes softening slightly at the sight of Pari."Why aren't you asleep yet? Are you feeling okay?" Pari asked gently.Akansha shook her head and placed a hand over her heart, her fingers trembling slightly."I just... something doesn't feel right. Did you talk to Vikrant? What did he say? When is he coming home?"Her questions tumbled out in a rush. Pari nodded calmly. "I spoke to him an hour ago. He said he'll be late."Akansha exhaled deeply, her face etched with worry."Ranvi's not answering his calls either. I don't know where my sons are tonight. My heart just... it feels heavy."Pari watched her quietly, the ache of a mother's worry resonating in her own chest."They'll be okay, Maa," she said, placing a reassuring hand over hers. "And Vijay bhaiya must be asleep by now. Don't worry."Akansha took a deep breath, " what date is today?"Pari thought for a second before replying, " 27."And a gloomy smile appeared on Akansha's lips, " tomorrow's 28. My daughter's birthday. If she were alive, she would have been twenty-three tomorrow."Pari smiled.Akansha's gaze drifted ahead, lost in memories only she could see. "She was so tiny when she was born."Pari remained silent, her fingers gently rubbing Akansha's hand in comfort."She would've been twenty-three tomorrow," Akansha whispered again, a tear slipping down her cheek. "I wonder what kind of woman she would have become. Strong like Vikrant? Kind like Ranvi?"Pari's voice was barely above a breath. "Or maybe... a little bit of both."Akansha turned to her, eyes shimmering. "Maybe. But I wish... I could've seen it."And with that, the house, though alive with breath and memory, felt suddenly quieter, haunted by the presence of someone who never got the chance to grow up.Pari put her head on Akansha's shoulder." What would you have named her?"Akansha chuckled, " I.. I didn't even get a chance to hear her cry."The silence stretched, thick with all the words never said and the dreams never dreamt."I had names," Akansha admitted after a moment. "Silly ones. Hopeful ones. I used to whisper them to myself when I was alone. Meher... I loved that name."Pari lifted her head, her eyes glistening. "Meher?"Akansha nodded slowly. "It means blessing. Because that's what she was. Even for the few moments I had her... she was mine."Pari blinked back tears, her heart aching for the woman beside her. "She still is, Maa. And wherever she is... she knows."The clock ticked in the silence that followed, and for the first time in a long time, Akansha didn't feel completely alone in her grief.Prena fidgeted with her fingers, sitting alone in the dimly lit room. Her heart pounded, not just with fear but with hope. Very soon, a man would walk through that door. The producer.And yet, despite the dread curling in her stomach, a fragile smile lingered on her lips. Because maybe... just maybe, she had found a cure for Akansha's illness. Maybe, her mother could live longer. Maybe she wouldn't have to say goodbye just yet.She blinked back the tears clouding her eyes and held onto that sliver of hope like a lifeline.Just then, the door creaked open.And there he was- the man, older than she'd expected, with silver-streaked hair and a half-smoked cigarette dangling between his fingers. His eyes raked over her slowly, shamelessly.The smile slipped from her face. Reality had arrived.He shut the door behind him with a soft click and took a slow drag from his cigarette, exhaling the smoke toward the ceiling."Really?" he drawled, eyeing the wet shimmer in her eyes. "Tears? On a night like this?" His voice dripped with mockery. "You girls are all the same, act like martyrs, then come crawling for fame."Prena didn't respond. She simply looked at him, her hands still in her lap, fingers locked so tightly they hurt. She let his words wash over her like filth she refused to absorb.Because in her mind, she saw her brother, his rage, his fire, his wrath.A chill passed through her spine, not from fear, but from the dangerous calm that settled over her.You'll shed tears, she thought coldly, her lips tightening. Not tonight maybe. But when my brother finds you... you won't just weep. You'll bleed regret from every corner of your soul.Because she wasn't just any girl caught in a storm-She was Vikrant Agnihotri's blood.And mercy had never run in their veins.The man flicked the cigarette into a nearby tray and stepped closer, his leer deepening with every step." You don't have to pretend, sweetheart," he said, voice low and slimy. " You knew what this night was for."Prena's heart thudded against her chest as he reached out, brushing a strand of her hair with a familiarity that turned her stomach. She recoiled, shifting subtly to the edge of the couch, her breath tightening."Don't touch me," she said, her voice barely a whisper but edged with fire.He chuckled darkly, as though her resistance was nothing more than part of the game. "Why so tense? One night, and all your problems go away. Your name shines. Seems like a fair deal."He moved again, too close and Prena stood up sharply, her fists clenched at her sides, trembling with fury and fear.But in her mind, she wasn't alone.He'll come.My brother will come.She stared into the man's face, not backing down now. Because this night might decide her past... but she wouldn't let it ruin her soul.His eyes, heavy with lust and power-drunk arrogance, swept over her body like she was nothing more than a wrapped gift to be torn apart." So pretty," he muttered. "But why are you crying, sweetheart? Isn't this what girls like you want? A shortcut to fame?"Prena clenched her fists in her lap. Her shoulders didn't flinch. Her expression didn't shift. But her eyes, those fierce, fiery eyes burned with the same wrath her brother carried.He reached forward to touch her chin, but she turned her face away with disgust."Playing shy now?" he smirked, grabbing her wrist.Her body stilled like a coiled wire, tight, silent, dangerous."You think you can cry and make me feel bad?" he taunted, voice dripping with mockery. "Sweetheart, I've seen girls like you crawl for chances. Crying won't help. But obedience might."That was it.Her gaze snapped back to his like a dagger drawn in the dark.Before he could blink, she grabbed the hand clutching her wrist. Her nails dug into his skin like claws. And in a swift, brutal snap, she twisted his arm backwards.A sickening crack echoed in the room."Aaah!" he screamed, doubling over in pain.But no one heard. The hallway outside throbbed with loud music, bass-heavy and wild, drowning every sound of his agony.Prena didn't stop there.She lifted her knee and rammed it straight into his abdomen. The air whooshed out of his lungs as he collapsed to the floor, gasping.She stood above him, her chest rising and falling not out of fear, but control....The lavish party halted like a record scratched too soon. Laughter died. Glasses froze mid-air. A chill sliced through the neon-lit room as the entrance doors burst open.Men in black stormed in, armed and brutal in appearance. Guns slung. Jawlines tight. They scattered through the hall with mechanical precision, sending guests into panic." Everybody out!" one of them barked. "This party's over!"Shrieks erupted. Confusion reigned. People clutched their belongings, scurrying like frightened mice.Rajeshwari, standing near the grand chandelier, pushed her shawl back and strode forward in indignation. Her voice thundered above the chaos, sharp and imperious."WHO THE HELL SENT YOU?"A silence answered her.Then-"Humne."( I did.)The voice was calm. Deadly calm.Her blood chilled.The crowd parted like a sea before a storm. Guards shifted, stepping aside swiftly to create a path. And there he was.Vikrant Agnihotri.Clad in a crisp black shirt tucked into tailored grey pants, his hands were empty, but his aura carried a weight far deadlier than any weapon. His jaw clenched. His walk was unhurried, but deliberate.Eyes like a brewing tempest fixed on Rajeshwari, the woman he never wished to breathe the same air with again.Rajeshwari's lips trembled, her confident poise cracking just for a second.And without a second glance, Vikrant turned to his men and gave a single nod.Chaos ensued, only this time, organized.The guards moved with quiet aggression, escorting, shoving, silencing.The hall emptied within minutes, but the air remained thick with something heavier than gunpowder.Another presence stepped in the hall.Gautam.Vikrant's right hand. Loyal like a shadow, deadly like a storm. Dressed in all black, a Bluetooth in one ear, and eyes scanning the room like a hawk on a hunt. He didn't need to speak to be felt.He walked straight to Vikrant, leaned in slightly, and murmured, "Room's secure. Guards stationed at every exit. Prena's location—top floor, west wing. She hasn't come out."Vikrant's eyes narrowed, and a slight nod followed. His jaw locked tighter.Then Gautam turned, eyes landing on Rajeshwari with quiet contempt." WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING HERE?"Rajeshwari screamed at the top of her lungs and her servants gathered around.Vikrant looked at her, " The consequences.."Rajeshwari's lips quivered, but pride kept her standing tall."You think you can barge into my party? Create a scene? Do you even know who you're talking to-?"Vikrant's eyes burned into hers. " Yes. But do you want me to tell this to the whole world? Don't irritate me and just tell me, where is my sister?"He raised his eyebrows, threatening her. Rajeshwari clenched her jaw." She's my daughter!"" Oh please!" Gautam rolled his eyes." Shut up! Get out. Get out you two!"She motioned at the exit.But Vikrant, unfazed, walked calmly to the plush couch behind him and settled down, crossing one leg over the other, his posture leisurely yet commanding. He rested his arm along the backrest, as if he owned not just the seat but the whole damn hall."Chale jaayenge," he said coolly. "Pehle hamari behan ko bula do."( We will, but call my sister first.)Rajeshwari scoffed, arms crossing over her chest in defiance. "Tumhari behan? Bhool rahe ho kuch? Yaad dila doon?"( Your sister? Are you forgetting something? Should I make you remember?)Vikrant arched a brow, but before he could reply, Gautam added in a dry tone, "Well, umar toh aapki hai bhoolne ki-"( Well, it's your age to forget.)He trailed off the moment Rajeshwari's glare turned sharp enough to cut steel. But instead of shrinking back, he flashed her a slow, taunting smirk." I have to tell your father-"" Tell him. I dare you. But tonight, no one can stop me from taking my sister back."Rajeshwari let out a low, mocking chuckle. "Sister?" she repeated with venomous amusement. "What proof do you have that she's your sister? You think blood ties can be declared by your whims? I can't believe a man like you, who's built empires, is now living in delusion."Her smile turned cruel."Have you forgotten? Your sister died the day she was born."The words landed heavy in the room like stones on a grave. But before Vikrant could respond-A new voice sliced through the tension." I have the proof."Everyone turned.Ranvijay stood at the entrance, dressed in shadows and fury. His eyes weren't just angry, they were broken. Furious. Disgusted.At the woman who was supposed to protect him. The woman who abandoned him. The woman who thought he wouldn't find out.He walked forward slowly, deliberately. And when he reached her, he didn't say another word.He threw the bundle of papers Prena had left for Vikrant right into Rajeshwari's face.They scattered like sharp-edged confessions across the marble floor.Vikrant and Gautam stared at him confusedly. Ranvijay never was a part of a plan of this matter. And him coming here did not give a positive signal.Vikrant stood up, " Ranvi."Worry laced in his voice as he walked toward him and he looked at her." What are you doing-"" Leave that, bhai. Let's get Prena."Rajeshwari, who had been staring at the papers now strewn across the floor, felt her heart drop. Her eyes darted from document to document—unmistakable proof. Too precise. Too complete. These couldn't have been gathered by Vikrant or Gautam. Not even by Ranvijay.No. There was only one person with the nerve, the brilliance, and the madness to dig up graves she'd buried decades ago.Prena.That stubborn, reckless girl. She had found everything. And the clever witch had even left behind xerox copies, just enough to avoid suspicion, just enough to ensure the originals stayed hidden.Rajeshwari's fists clenched at her sides, jaw tightening until her teeth ached.That girl had played her. And she hadn't even seen it coming.She gritted her teeth, fury simmering beneath the surface.Rajeshwari lunged forward just as the three men turned toward the grand staircase."You can't go up there!" she shrieked, rushing to block their way. "You have no right!"But Vikrant didn't even flinch. He simply sighed, tired and irritated, as though swatting away a fly.He snapped his fingers. "Handle her."Two guards stepped forward like shadows obeying a master's command. Before Rajeshwari could even react, one seized her right arm, the other her left. She screamed and struggled, nails clawing, feet kicking, but they dragged her back like she was weightless."You'll regret this!" she howled.The guards pulled her to a marble pillar and, without hesitation, bound her hands with thick rope. One of them pressed the cold barrel of a gun to her temple, silencing any further outbursts with sheer terror."You fools! Do you even know who I am?!"She cursed, thrashed, kicked but nothing worked. Her voice cracked with fury and fear as the three men, without sparing her another glance, disappeared up the stairs, like wolves climbing toward the lamb they refused to leave behind.The hallway stretched with a heavy silence as the three men moved swiftly, only the sound of their footsteps echoing off the marble floor. Gautam walked ahead, guiding them without hesitation, every turn of the corridor taking them closer." This one," he finally said, stopping in front of a carved wooden door. "She's inside."Vikrant didn't wait for another word. He stepped forward and twisted the doorknob hard, flinging the door open with a force that rattled the hinges.Their hearts skipped a beat.There was a man in the room. But he wasn't a threat. He was sprawled across the floor, gagged and groaning, his legs and hands tightly bound with a belt and what looked like a curtain cord. His shirt was half torn, his face red with humiliation and suppressed screams.And Prena?She was sitting calmly on the bed, legs elegantly crossed, headphones snug in her ears as if she couldn't care less about the chaos she'd just tamed. Her right heel rested right on the man's chest like a final stamp of victory. And to top it all, she was nonchalantly reapplying a deep red coat of nail polish, her fingers steady, her expression serene.Vikrant stood frozen, disbelief and pride flickering in his eyes.Gautam let out a low whistle and chuckled, folding his arms. "No need for a DNA test," he smirked. " She's definitely your sister."Ranvijay and Vikrant smiled. Prena was about to scold the man when her head turned and she found her brother.Her expression softened and eyes turned glossy. She stood up, taking off her headphone.She stood at the distance, staring at her brother, unsure if he was here to save as a brother or just a gentleman.Vikrant's smile was faint, but his eyes were full.The girl he had once dismissed. The girl whose name had felt like a stain on their family legacy. The girl he once couldn't bear to see, now looked like the only person that truly belonged to him.His throat clenched. He gulped, hard, trying to hold back the flood rising in his chest.And then, slowly, almost hesitantly, he opened his arms.Prena's eyes welled instantly. That one gesture was all it took. The headphones slipped from her hand, the nail polish forgotten on the floor.She ran.Ran like a girl who had held in pain for too long. Like a sister who had spent years waiting for this exact moment.She crashed into his arms, burying her face in his chest, her sobs finally breaking free as her fingers clutched his shirt like a lifeline. Vikrant's arms wrapped tightly around her, protectively, desperately, his chin resting atop her head, eyes shut, tears falling without restraint.And for the first time, there was no ego. No war. No bitterness.Vikrant pressed a tender kiss to the crown of her head, as if sealing a silent promise- I'll never let you cry alone again.Reluctantly, painfully, he broke the embrace even though every part of him wanted to hold her longer. To make up for the years lost, the birthdays missed, the pain ignored."Cha... chalein?" his voice cracked, betraying the emotion he tried to rein in.( Shal.. shall we leave?)Prena let out a teary chuckle, the sound soft and shaky, and nodded without hesitation. Her smile trembled, lips quivering, but there was peace in her eyes now, a peace she hadn't felt in years.Vikrant took her hand gently, brushing his lips against her knuckles like it was the most sacred thing he'd ever held. Then, without another word, he led her toward the door, each step purposeful and protective.Ranvijay followed silently, his gaze never leaving them.Gautam walked last, a smirk playing on his lips as he looked at the tied-up man on the floor.As they descended the staircase, the grand hall fell into a heavy silence.But Prena felt it. That same piercing glare she'd grown up under. Rajeshwari.Her eyes instinctively met the woman's, and in an instant, her past came rushing back like a fast-forwarded film reel.The nights she cried herself to sleep.The mornings she woke up numb.The silence.The rejection.The slaps.The chilling void of never feeling loved.Now it all made sense. Rajeshwari was never her mother. Never even tried to be.Prena's steps faltered for a heartbeat, but Vikrant's grip on her hand tightened protectively. He didn't even glance at Rajeshwari. His stride remained steady, proud, like a man reclaiming what was his.Without a word, he walked out of that hall with his sister beside him and Gautam shadowing them. His guards fell in line behind, loyal and quiet.Rajeshwari, still tied to the pillar, screamed in frustration, but it faded behind them like the echo of a forgotten lie.---Inside the car, the air was quiet yet thick with unspoken emotion.Gautam leaned back casually, throwing Prena an approving smirk. "Not bad for a first rescue," he joked, attempting to lighten the weight.Prena gave a small smile, still overwhelmed, eyes occasionally drifting to Vikrant as if trying to believe he was really there, with her.Vikrant remained silent, one hand resting on hers in her lap, his thumb slowly brushing against her knuckles. He didn't speak, but his silence was loud. I'm sorry. You were never alone. Not anymore.His gaze lifted to the rearview mirror and froze.Ranvijay's car had stopped near a lake by the roadside. He came out of the car, slammed the door shut and walked to the lake, covered with trees.Vikrant sat up straighter." Stop!" he said.The driver immediately pulled the brakes.Vikrant opened the door, his jaw tense, eyes still on the distant figure of his brother.Vikrant raised a single hand, and within seconds, nearly twenty black SUVs halted behind him in a perfect line, their engines humming low like a warning growl held at bay. Over sixty armed guards paused mid-step, their formation tight and disciplined, awaiting further orders. But Vikrant didn't spare them a glance as his focus was locked on the man standing by the lake. Ranvijay's stance was rigid, his mood unreadable, yet deeply stormy. And that was enough. Vikrant knew his brother didn't need power or protection right now. He needed him. So the empire stood still, on silent command, for the sake of his brother.Prena stared at him confusedly, not knowing why he was going to Ranvijay." That's his brother."She looked at Gautam." He may not show, but he loves him the most. Maybe more than you."He teased her. Prena glared at him, " shut up."He chuckled and Prena scoffed.⋆༺✷༻⋆To be continued.Read more Chapters in scrollstack.And as for your information, don't buy chapters on the app, rather buy the chapters in the website because they are adding amount if we buy from app and it's not beneficial for us authors, so do readers.