Chapter 17 - scolding & kiss

The morning sunlight filtered through the large glass windows of my penthouse, but my attention wasn’t on the view. My boys and I were gathered in the living room, waiting for her to come down. The air was filled with chatter as they couldn’t stop praising her skills from last night.

“She’s got nerves of steel,” Aryan said, leaning back on the couch. “I’ve never seen anyone handle a situation like that so smoothly.”

“Not just nerves,” Karan added, shaking his head in disbelief. “She’s got precision. Did you see her aim? Perfect.”

I leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a faint smile playing on my lips. Their words filled me with a sense of pride . She wasn’t just impressive—she was extraordinary. My kitten.

What surprised me the most wasn’t her ability to handle danger but her reaction to the truth about my world. I’d expected anger, maybe fear. But she’d accepted me, the Black Viper, without hesitation or judgment. It was a relief I hadn’t known I needed.

She wasn’t Aaradhya . Aaradhyanshi was stronger, fiercer, and yet somehow softer, too—a perfect contradiction.

She still denied being my girlfriend, though. Every time the boys teased her, she’d roll her eyes or change the subject. But when we were alone—when I hugged her casually or pulled her close—she never pushed me away.

The sound of clicking heels pulled me from my thoughts. The room fell silent as we all turned toward the staircase.

And there she was.

She descended the stairs with an effortless grace, wearing a traditional kurti that flowed around her like it was made just for her. It was simple, elegant, and so very her. She looked radiant, her hair cascading over her shoulders, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

“Good morning,” she said, her voice soft but clear.

I didn’t reply with words. Instead, I walked up to her, cupped her cheek, and kissed her forehead. “Good morning, kitten.”

Her cheeks turned a deep shade of red as the boys erupted into laughter and teasing. “Looks like someone’s starting the day right!” Aryan called out, earning a glare from her.

Despite her embarrassment, she didn’t pull away, and I couldn’t help but smile. She was adapting to my world so seamlessly, handling every dangerous situation with a quick mind and a steady hand. She wasn’t just strong—she was a warrior with a kind heart.

The drive to college was anything but ordinary. I’d arranged for her car to be brought here, knowing she preferred driving herself.

“I’ll drive my own car,” she said, her voice firm as she took the keys from my hand.

I smirked, leaning in close. “As you wish. But don’t think you can escape me that easily.”

Before she could respond, I kissed her cheek, ignoring the wolf whistles and teasing comments from the boys. Her face turned crimson, and I chuckled as I walked to my car.

We arrived at college together, our cars roaring as we pulled into the parking lot. Heads turned, whispers followed, but I didn’t care. All that mattered was her.

She stepped out of her car, her chin held high, and joined me as we walked toward the building. The boys flanked us, their presence intimidating enough to keep anyone from approaching.

The day’s schedule included a debate class, one that was mandatory for all of us. The moment we walked into the room, the atmosphere shifted.

The topic was announced: “Is power earned or inherited?”

We exchanged smirks, the competitive spark between us reigniting. It reminded me of the first time I’d met her as Aaradhyanshi. Back then, we’d tied in a debate, and she’d been so furious she’d almost attacked me. That fiery determination was still there, and I couldn’t wait to see it again.

The debate began, and she started, her voice confident and clear. “Power is earned. Inherited power without merit is hollow and unsustainable. True power comes from the struggles, decisions, and sacrifices one makes.”

I leaned back in my chair, watching her with admiration. She was passionate, articulate, and completely captivating.

When it was my turn, I countered, “Power can be inherited, but its value lies in how it’s wielded. A legacy provides the foundation, but it’s the individual who determines whether it crumbles or thrives.”

The class was riveted as we went back and forth, challenging each other’s points with precision and wit. The energy between us crackled, neither willing to back down.

“You’re assuming that inherited power guarantees competence,” she argued. “History has proven otherwise.”

“And you’re assuming that earned power is always pure,” I shot back. “What about those who manipulate and deceive to climb to the top?”

The debate continued until the timer ran out. The professor announced the results: another tie.

She glanced at me, her eyes blazing with determination. “Looks like history repeats itself,” she said, a small smile tugging at her lips.

I leaned closer, lowering my voice so only she could hear. “It’s why we work so well together, kitten. Equal in every way.”

Her blush returned, but she didn’t look away. For a moment, it felt like the rest of the room had disappeared, leaving just the two of us.

As we left the class, I couldn’t help but think about how far we’d come. From rivals to partners, from strangers to something more.

The night air was thick with the smell of gasoline and adrenaline. The roar of engines filled the underground race track as we prepared for another illegal race. My boys and I had already won the last bet, though it had cost us more than we anticipated. This time, it wasn’t just about winning—it was about showing them why we were feared.

She had chosen to stay home tonight, saying she had something important to do. I didn’t press her. She needed her alone time, especially since we rarely gave her a moment’s peace. Between our teasing, bickering, and my constant need to be near her, I knew she valued her solitude. Still, the thought of being away from her gnawed at me.

The countdown began, and I gripped the steering wheel, my focus narrowing on the track ahead. The signal flashed, and we launched forward, the cars tearing through the night like bullets.

The race was brutal. The competition tried every dirty trick in the book—blocking, ramming, even attempting to force us off the track. But we were better. Smarter.

With one final burst of speed, I crossed the finish line first, the sound of my car’s engine echoing like a victory roar. My boys followed close behind, sealing our win.

But the celebration was short-lived.

The opposing team, sore losers as they were, decided to escalate. They pulled out weapons, thinking they could intimidate us. Big mistake.

The fight was chaos. Fists, knives, and bullets flew, but we were prepared. We fought back with precision and ruthlessness, quickly turning the tide in our favor.

Just as the last of them fell, I felt a sharp, burning pain in my shoulder. I looked down to see blood seeping through my shirt. A bullet.

“Boss, you okay?” Aryan asked, his voice laced with concern.

“I’m fine,” I lied, gritting my teeth. The last thing I needed was for her to find out. If she did, the bullet wouldn’t be the death of me—her wrath would.

We returned to the penthouse, the boys unusually quiet. As soon as we stepped inside, we saw her sitting on the sofa, sketchbook in hand. The sight of her, calm and focused, made my heart ache. She didn’t deserve this chaos.

The boys exchanged nervous glances, clearly debating how to handle the situation.

“We’re out,” Karan said, turning on his heel.

“Yeah, good luck with that,” Aryan added, following him.

Rohan clapped me on the back, careful to avoid my injured shoulder. “You’re on your own, boss. She’s going to tear into you like a general scolding her soldiers.”

“Cowards,” I muttered, watching them retreat.

But I couldn’t blame them. I remembered yesterday  or the day before , she got angry cause I  was careless, when I got injured in the kitchen while cutting the fruits . She didn't like anyone being injured especially me . She had a way of commanding respect and fear when she was angry—a warrior princess with the authority of a ruthless general.

I walked into the living room, my steps heavier than usual. She looked up, her eyes immediately narrowing as she took in my disheveled appearance.

“What happened?” she asked, her voice sharp.

“It’s nothing,” I started, but she was already on her feet, her eyes zeroing in on the bloodstain.

“Nothing?” she snapped, her voice rising. “You’re bleeding!”

Before I could argue, she was by my side, guiding me to sit on the couch. Her hands were steady as she examined the wound, her face a mask of concentration.

“Take off your shirt,” she ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I obeyed, wincing as the fabric pulled against the wound. She didn’t flinch at the sight of the blood, her focus unwavering as she prepared to remove the bullet.

“This is going to hurt,” she warned, her voice softer now.

I watched her work, her movements precise and efficient. She wasn’t just unafraid—she was fierce, a true warrior.

As she wrapped the wound, following my instructions, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She was incredible, and I was completely in awe.

Once she was satisfied with her work, she sat back, her eyes blazing.

“How could you be so careless?” she demanded. “Do you have any idea how worried I’d be if something happened to you?”

I opened my mouth to respond, but she wasn’t done.

“You’re not invincible, Vikrant! You can’t just—” Her voice broke, and I saw the glimmer of unshed tears in her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” I said softly, reaching for her hand.

She hesitated, then let me pull her closer. Carefully, mindful of my injured shoulder, she wrapped her arms around me.

“Don’t scare me like that again,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

I tilted her chin up, meeting her gaze. “I’ll try,” I said, my voice low. “But you have to understand—this is my world. It’s dangerous.”

“I know,” she said, her eyes searching mine. “I can’t lose you too . ”

Her words hit me raw and honest. Without thinking, I leaned in, capturing her lips with mine.

The kiss was slow and deep, a promise and an apology all at once. Her fingers tangled in my hair, careful to avoid my injury, while my good arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer.

When we finally broke apart, she rested her forehead against mine, her breathing unsteady.

“You’re shameless,” she murmured, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“And you’re irresistible,” I replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

She laughed softly, the tension easing. For now, the storm had passed.