Rihaan walked into Ekansh's office with his expression questioning.
"What's this proof you wanted to show me?" Rihaan asked.
Ekansh gestured to the laptop screen.
A grainy video played, showing Samyuktika and Ekansh's father in a cozy conversation. They sat in a luxurious living room, smiling and laughing together.
Rihaan's brow furrowed. "What's going on?"
Ekansh's voice was laced with bitterness. "No audio, but look at their body language."
Rihaan scrutinized the video. Samyuktika's hands gestured animatedly, and Ekansh's father leaned in, his eyes locked on hers.
"This could be innocent," Rihaan suggested.
Ekansh shook his head. "You don't know my father. He's calculating, always. And Samyuktika... she's a master manipulator."
Rihaan's expression turned thoughtful. "Maybe we should investigate further."
Ekansh nodded. "Already on it."
Samyuktika wandered through the grand halls, her heels clicking on the polished marble floor. The mansion's opulence dazzled her, but her mind lingered on Ekansh's harsh actions.
That plate could have hit me, she thought, a shiver running down her spine.
As she turned a corner, a stunning chandelier caught her attention. Crystal droplets refracted light, casting rainbow hues across the walls.
"Wow," she breathed.
A soft voice interrupted her reverie.
"Welcome, Ms. Rai. I'm Tulip, the housekeeper."
Samyuktika turned to face a warm-smiling woman.
"Tulip, nice to meet you," she said, forcing a smile.
Tulip's eyes sparkled. "Of course, ma'am. Would you like a tour?"
Samyuktika nodded, eager to distract herself from Ekansh's behavior.
As Tulip led her through the mansion, Samyuktika's thoughts drifted back to Ekansh.
Why did he react so harshly? What did I do?
Tulip pointed out a majestic library, and Samyuktika's eyes widened.
"This is incredible."
Tulip smiled. "Mr. Ekansh's favorite room."
Samyuktika's heart skipped a beat.
Samyuktika's hand hovered over the door handle, eager to explore the majestic library. But just as she was about to enter, Tulip's gentle touch on her arm halted her.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Rai," Tulip said, her voice firm but polite. "This is the personal room of Ekansh sir. No one is allowed to enter."
Samyuktika's curiosity piqued. "What's inside?"
Tulip's expression turned guarded. "I'm not at liberty to disclose that information, ma'am."
Samyuktika's eyes narrowed. "Is this where Ekansh keeps his secrets?"
Tulip's face remained neutral, but a flicker in her eyes betrayed her unease.
"I only follow Mr. Ekansh's instructions, ma'am," Tulip replied.
Samyuktika's mind raced. What could Ekansh be hiding?
Suddenly, a voice echoed from down the hallway.
"Tulip, is everything alright?"
Ekansh's appearance made Samyuktika's heart skip a beat.
Tulip curtsied. "Yes, sir. Ms. Rai was just about to continue the tour."
Ekansh's gaze locked onto Samyuktika, his expression unreadable.
Upon seeing Ekansh, Samyuktika swiftly changed direction, heading towards the kitchen. She needed a moment to collect her thoughts.
In the kitchen, she poured a glass of chilled water and headed back to Ekansh, hoping to ease the tension.
"Ekansh, here's some water," Samyuktika offered, her voice gentle.
Ekansh's gaze cut through her, his eyes blazing with intensity.
"I would rather drink poison apart from drinking the water you brought," he spat, his voice venomous.
Samyuktika's heart stung, but she stood tall.
"Why are you doing this to me, Ekansh?" she asked, her voice trembling. "I have never misbehaved with you. What have I done to deserve this hatred?"
Ekansh's expression twisted, his jaw clenched.
You've existed, his gaze seemed to say.
The air thickened, heavy with unspoken words.
Samyuktika's eyes welled up, but she refused to let tears fall.
"I deserve an explanation, Ekansh," she pressed, her voice firm.
Ekansh's eyes flashed, his face inches from hers.
Ekansh's face contorted in disgust.
"You're a deceitful, manipulative woman," he spat.
Samyuktika's eyes widened, each word piercing her heart. "You're a master of lies, using your charm to deceive everyone," Ekansh continued.
Samyuktika's hands trembled, her voice barely audible. "How can you say such things, Ekansh?"
Ekansh's eyes blazed. "Dare to call me Ekansh?" he snarled. "You are not allowed to speak my name with this filthy mouth of yours."
His words cut deep, Samyuktika's face stinging from the venom. Tears brimmed in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
Ekansh sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Why the melodrama, Samyuktika? Acting like you care for me as your wife, shedding fake tears?"
Samyuktika's eyes flashed, her voice steady.
"Even though unfortunately we are bounded together, and you're my husband, that doesn't mean you'll talk about me like that, Mr. Rai."
Her words carried a subtle warning.
Ekansh raised an eyebrow.
"bounded together"? You make our marriage sound like a prison sentence."
Samyuktika's gaze didn't waver.
"For me, it is."
The air thickened, tension hanging like a challenge. Samyuktika's voice rang out, firm and resolute.
"I have full rights as a girl and as a wife. No man, not even my husband, can do anything to me against my will. I have full rights as your wife."
Ekansh's gaze turned sinister, his smile twisted.
"Yeah, you're my wife. Then I should give you what wives want," he whispered, his voice dripping with malice.
Samyuktika's heart raced, her voice trembling.
"What do you mean?" she asked, alarm bells ringing in her mind.
No one was present to intervene, the silence oppressive.
Ekansh's eyes flashed, his movements swift.
He swooped in, lifting Samyuktika into a bridal carry, her struggles futile.
"Mr. Rai, no! Put me down!" she shouted, panic rising.
He strode toward his bedroom, Samyuktika's fears escalating.
Samyuktika's struggles intensified, her arms flailing, legs kicking.
"Mr. Rai, stop! This isn't right!" she pleaded, her voice hoarse.
Ekansh's grip tightened, his face inches from hers.
"You're my wife, Samyuktika. You'll do as I say," he growled.
Samyuktika's fear turned to adrenaline-fueled determination.
With a surge of strength, she pushed against Ekansh's chest.
"No! I won't let you do this!" she shouted.
Ekansh stumbled, his hold loosening.
Samyuktika seized the opportunity, breaking free.
She sprinted toward the door, but Ekansh recovered quickly.
He grabbed her arm, spinning her back around.