Chapter-42

Author's POV,

As they pulled out of the mansion gates, Pihu instinctively held her breath. The world outside, bathed in the Parisian morning light, was a stark contrast to the cold opulence she'd been confined to. Buildings in warm honey hues lined the streets, their balconies overflowing with vibrant flowers. Laughter and the melodic murmur of conversation drifted through the air. A wave of exhilaration washed over her, momentarily erasing the fear that gnawed at the edges of her excitement.

"There you go, Pihu," Claire said, her voice brimming with delight. "Paris! Isn't it a beauty?"

Pihu could only nod, speechless. The city unfolded before her like a dream – the majestic Seine River glistening under the sun, charming cafes spilling onto cobbled streets, and in the distance, the Eiffel Tower, a filigree giant piercing the azure sky. It felt like a scene from a storybook, a world away from the darkness that had become her reality.

The Seine, a shimmering ribbon of blue, snaked its way through the heart of the city. As they arrived at the dock, Claire ushered Pihu onto a private cruise boat, a luxurious haven with plush velvet cushions and a canopy overhead. A waiter materialized, his smile as bright as the midday sun, offering them drinks and delicate pastries. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from a nearby cafe, mingling with the sweet scent of blooming flowers that lined the riverbank.

As the boat gently glided down the river, Claire, a captivating storyteller, began weaving tales of the city's history.

"Look to your left, Pihu," Claire said, pointing towards a magnificent structure rising from the water. "That's the Notre Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Construction began in the 12th century, can you believe it? It's a symbol of resilience, having survived wars and revolutions."

Pihu leaned closer, captivated by the intricate details of the gargoyles and stained-glass windows. (Imagine the stories those windows could tell, Pihu thought, a flicker of longing sparking in her chest. Perhaps someday, she too would have a story etched in time.) "It's breathtaking," she whispered, surprised by her own enthusiasm.

"And over there," Claire continued, her voice filled with excitement, "is the Louvre Museum. Home to some of the world's most famous artworks, like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Imagine walking through those halls, surrounded by centuries of artistic genius!"

As they cruised further, the city unfolded before them like a living tapestry. Claire pointed out landmarks, each with its own fascinating history –Musée d'Orsay, Grand Palais and Petit Palais. With each passing monument, Pihu felt a spark of life ignite within her.

For a stolen moment, the weight of her situation seemed to lift. The fear of Rudra's wrath, the uncertainty of her future, all faded into the background. She relishing in the feeling of the cool breeze against her skin, the gentle rocking of the boat, the symphony of foreign languages that surrounded them. It was a taste of a life she'd always dreamt of – a life filled with exploration, new experiences, and a sense of belonging.

Disembarking from the boat, Pihu stretched luxuriously, letting out a contented sigh. "That was incredible, Claire! The city feels so alive from the water."

Claire beamed, her smile as bright as the Parisian sun. "Glad you enjoyed it, Pihu! Now, how about we refuel before heading back? I know just the spot."

"A restaurant, perfect!" Pihu chimed in, her stomach grumbling in agreement with the delicious scents wafting from a nearby cafe. "Is it somewhere special?"

Claire winked conspiratorially. "Oh, you could say that. Follow me!"

Intrigued, Pihu followed Claire as they meandered along the cobblestone path. The scent of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces filled the air, making Pihu's stomach rumble even louder.

They stopped in front of a charming restaurant with a terrace adorned with vibrant flowers.

The wrought-iron tables were bathed in the golden glow of the afternoon sun, and the air buzzed with the cheerful chatter of diners. Claire, her eyes sparkling with excitement, announced, "This place, Pihu! It holds a special place in my heart. Laurent brought me here on our first date!"

Pihu felt a unease in her heart as something bad going to happen. While Claire reminisced about her love story, Pihu found herself picking at her food, her appetite stolen by the growing sense of foreboding. This idyllic afternoon, this stolen taste of freedom, felt too good to be true. It was as if fate were dangling happiness in front of her, only to snatch it away in a cruel twist.

"Is everything alright, darling?" Claire asked, concern etching lines on her forehead.

"Yes, yes," Pihu stammered, pushing the uneaten food around her plate. "Just... a bit tired, I suppose." She couldn't bring herself to confide in Claire, this sense of impending doom too irrational, too nebulous to explain. But deep down, she knew this feeling wouldn't be ignored.

The idyllic afternoon was fracturing. As they finished their meal, a clumsy waiter, his arms laden with plates, swerved to avoid a boisterous child, sending a cascade of ruby red wine splashing across Pihu's pristine dress. A crimson stain bloomed on the pale fabric, mirroring the hot flush that crept up her neck.

"Oh mon Dieu, je suis vraiment désolée!" ("Oh my God, I am really sorry!") The waiter stammered, his face a mask of apology as he dabbed ineffectively at the stain.

"No, no, it's alright," Pihu mumbled, forcing a smile despite the tremor in her voice. The incident, trivial in itself, felt symbolic, a dark stain on this perfect day.

Claire, ever the pragmatist, offered solutions. "Let's see if they have anything in the back to help remove the stain. If not, we can head back to the mansion and you can change."

Pihu nodded, her stomach churning with a disquiet that had nothing to do with the ruined dress. Excused herself, she retreated to the restroom, a small, dimly lit space tucked away at the back of the restaurant.

As she splashed water on the stain, the reflection in the mirror seemed to waver, a flicker of movement in the periphery of her vision. Panic clawed at her throat as a hand clamped roughly over her mouth, stifling her scream. A powerful grip seized her arm, dragging her with a forceful yank out of the restroom and into a deserted hallway.

Pihu thrashed against her captor, fear a primal scream echoing in her ears. But the grip was relentless, propelling her forward until they reached a secluded corner shrouded in shadow.

Then, the hand over her mouth softened, a familiar voice whispering urgently in her ear. "Pihu, it's me."

Pihu froze, her fear momentarily eclipsed by surprise. Slowly, cautiously, she turned her head. And there, bathed in the dim glow of a single sconce, stood Shaurya, his face etched with worry. Relief washed over her in waves, so powerful it threatened to pull her under.

"S...Shaurya?" she stammered, her voice hoarse.

Shaurya's urgency sent shivers down Pihu's spine. "There's no time to explain," he hissed, his grip tightening on her arm even as he steered her towards a deserted alleyway after twenty minutes of running. Panic gnawed at the edges of her confusion. How had Shaurya found her in Paris? What was going on?

They rounded a corner, and the air seemed to suck the breath from Pihu's lungs. A sleek black car idled at the end of the narrow alley, its windows tinted a menacing black. But even more unsettling was the figure who emerged from the shadows. A tall, arrogant-looking man with a cruel smirk twisting his lips. His cold eyes flicked between Pihu and Shaurya, amusement flickering in their depths.

"Well, well, well," he drawled, his voice dripping with mockery. "Look who finally decided to join the party. Seems our dear Cinderella has a rescuer after all."

Pihu's mind reeled. Rescuer? Party? The fairytale reference sent a shiver down her spine. In what twisted game, she entered? Everything about this scene screamed danger, a primal instinct urging her to run. But escape was cut off - a dozen burly bodyguards materialized behind the man, effectively blocking any exit.

Fear gnawed at the edges of her confusion. Who was this man? Why was Shaurya bring her here? Turning to the man who had offered a glimmer of hope, she choked out a question, her voice barely a whisper, "Shaurya... what is happening? Who is he?"

Shaurya opened his mouth to speak, but before he could get a word out, Rudransh cut him off with a cruel laugh. "Don't worry, Sister-in-law," he sneered, his voice dripping with venom. "Shaurya here was just playing a part. Seems he neglected to mention who helped him reach you, wouldn't you agree, Shaurya?"

Shaurya's face drained of color. Pihu's gaze darted between them, a horrifying realization dawning. This man, his features vaguely familiar with Rudra, held a cruel satisfaction in his eyes.

Suddenly, Rudransh snapped his fingers, a silent order. Two hulking bodyguards materialized beside Shaurya, their grip on him brutal and efficient.

Pihu who was beside him lunged towards Shaurya, with a thought to help him. But before she could reach him, a heavy hand clamped down on her wrist. It was Rudransh. His grip was wise, his predatory gaze sending shivers down her spine.

"Finally," he drawled, his voice laced with a sickening relish. He leaned in close, inhaling her hair like a predator savoring its prey. A guttural growl escaped his lips, his eyes gleaming with a feral hunger. "I caught the beautiful canary of my brother, my dear step-sister-in-law."

Panic surged through Pihu. "Let go of me!" she shrieked, her voice laced with a desperation that clawed at her throat. She twisted and struggled, but Rudransh's hold was ironclad. Tears streamed down her face, blurring her vision.

Shaurya tried to fought back with a fury born of betrayal. He strained against the bodyguards, a snarl twisting his features. "Rudransh, you slimy son of a –!"

But his defiance was short-lived. A sickening crunch echoed through the alley as a well-placed punch connected with Shaurya's jaw, sending him reeling backward. Crimson bloomed on his split lip before the bodyguards slammed him against the brick wall, pinning him with practiced ease. They rained blows upon him, a brutal symphony of pain that made Pihu wince. Shaurya struggled, fueled by a mixture of anger and betrayal, but he was outnumbered and outmatched.

"Seems your little hero complex cost you dearly, officer," Rudransh taunted, his gaze flickering between Shaurya's pained expression and Pihu's growing panic. "How ironic, a cop played for a fool."

Pihu, her panic mounting, struggled fiercely in Rudransh's hold, her voice breaking through the chaos. "Let us go, you bloody motherfucker!" she shouted, her eyes flashing with defiance.

Rudransh chuckled darkly, relishing the chaos. "What a sweet mouth, sis-in-law. Look like I'll have to correct that because your dear husband definitely failed to do so. But for now, we have a car waiting, and a little... family reunion to attend." he sneered, pushing Pihu towards the waiting car.

Despite her every fibre screaming for freedom, Pihu's punches and kicks were futile against Rudransh's strength. Frustrated, Rudransh slapped her hard, the sound echoing in the alley, before callously throwing her into the car.

Momentarily stunned, Pihu's heart pounded in her chest as she stared at Rudransh with a mixture of fear and determination. She knew she had to act fast before he could do any more harm. With a newfound strength, she jabbed her fingers into his eyes, causing him to howl in pain. But before she could make her escape, Rudransh grabbed her by the hair, yanking her back towards him.

"You're just like your husband, bitch. I thought I could let you go after I was done with you, but you seem to want to die." Rudransh snarled, his grip around her neck tightening, making it difficult for her to breathe.

Pihu's mind raced as she struggled to break free from his grasp. She knew she had to do something before it was too late. But then she heard a familiar voice, weak but determined.

"Let her go. This is nothing to do with her, you coward!" Shaurya's voice echoed through the alleyway, his body battered and bruised from Rudransh's merciless beating.

In that moment, Pihu's resolve was renewed. She couldn't let Rudransh hurt them. With a surge of adrenaline, she fought back with all her might, determined to protect both herself and Shaurya.

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To be continued............