Chapter 11

The next day, Vikram left his bike outside the mansion and walked in through the gate. When the watchman asked what had happened to his bike, Vikram explained that he had left it for servicing and that a friend had dropped him off at the street corner. He spent the evening as usual, walking in the garden and watching Lakshmi. His excitement to take her out was palpable, every minute felt like an eternity. On the other hand, Lakshmi was a bundle of nerves and fear. She was anxious about going out with him alone and, having never ridden a bike in her life, she was uncertain about how it would feel. She was also afraid of the consequences if someone found out she was missing. Though she had agreed to go with him, she now felt restless and regretted her decision. But deep down, she knew there was no turning back. She understood Vikram's stubbornness all too well. She continued to work, her thoughts racing.

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Meanwhile, Vikram's father was working in his study. Rekha entered and sat down before him. Noticing her, Vikram's father looked up briefly and asked, "Do you need something?"

"Yes, I need to talk to you about something important. Shall we?" Rekha responded.

Vikram's father closed his laptop and looked at her, signaling for her to go ahead.

Rekha began, "You know that my brother wants to marry his daughter to our Vikram, right?"

"Yes, I'm aware. But what about it now?" he replied, his tone indifferent.

"The thing is, my parents' health is deteriorating. They wish to see their granddaughter married before they pass away. What do you think about it?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Vikram's father sighed. "What are you talking about? He's only 22. First, he needs to join the family business. Marriage can wait. But this stubborn boy doesn't even show any interest in the business," he said, frustration creeping into his voice.

Rekha, undeterred, responded, "How old were you when you married his mother? You were only 23, right? And as for the business, after marriage, he'll change. He'll become responsible. So, what do you think?"

Vikram's father rubbed his temple. "I don't know. I'm not the one who can make this decision. Vikram has to agree. I can't force him. You know how stubborn he is."

"Could you at least talk to him? He might listen to you," Rekha pleaded.

"We'll see. But right now, it's not the time," Vikram's father said, returning to his work.

Rekha didn't expect such a disinterested response. She knew she couldn't move forward without his involvement, but Vikram's father was clearly not going to help. She also understood how much Vikram despised her. If he found out that she was involved in this matter, he would definitely see through her motives. So, she decided to take a more subtle and calculated approach, moving forward with caution and patience.

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That night, after everyone had settled down to sleep, Vikram quietly made his way to Lakshmi's room and gently knocked on her door. Lakshmi, who had been waiting for him, opened the door immediately after the first knock. Vikram entered and closed the door behind him. He looked at her and asked, "Ready?" Lakshmi nodded slowly. He took her hand and guided her out of the room. He locked the door behind them but didn't latch it.

Vikram led her to the back of the house and said, "Come on, I'll help you jump over the wall." Lakshmi hesitated, looking at both him and the wall. She took a few cautious steps toward him. Vikram bent down, lifted her up, and asked her to hold onto the wall. Once she grabbed it, he gently pushed her upwards, lifting her by the waist. Lakshmi climbed up to the top of the wall and looked over the other side. She was startled by how low the drop looked and turned back to Vikram with a fearful expression.

Vikram encouraged her, "What are you waiting for? Jump." But she shook her head nervously. He sighed, rolled his eyes, and, with ease, climbed over the wall himself and jumped down to the other side. Lakshmi looked at him in awe. He turned around, opened his arms, and said, "Come on, now jump."

Lakshmi looked at him, terrified. Vikram reassured her, "Don't worry. I'll catch you. Just jump." At the shift in his tone, Lakshmi's nerves intensified, but she gathered her courage, closed her eyes, and leapt. Vikram caught her in his arms, stumbling back slightly from the impact, but quickly regained his balance and gently set her down.

"See? Easy peasy," he said, smiling. Lakshmi, still shaken, smiled back and glanced around to make sure no one had noticed them.

Vikram led her down from the platform and walked to the bike he had parked earlier. "Come, sit," he said. Lakshmi hesitated, her anxiety evident. "I've never been on a bike before. I'm scared. What if I fall off?"

Vikram smiled at her innocence and extended his hand. She nervously placed her hand in his, and he guided her to sit on the back of the bike. "Wrap both your hands around me," he instructed. Though shy, Lakshmi allowed him to pull her arms around his waist. Now, with her body pressed against his, she felt an unexpected rush of emotions. Vikram, noticing her hesitation, glanced at her in the rearview mirror and smiled, sensing her nervousness.

"Shall we?" he asked. Lakshmi nodded, still unsure but too far in to back out. Vikram started the bike and sped off, taking her along the beach road. He felt like he was on cloud nine, enjoying the rare moment alone with her. Lakshmi, for her part, was mesmerized by the sights of the city, her eyes wide with wonder. She gasped as she saw the sea for the first time in her life, her breath catching in her throat.

A few minutes later, Vikram stopped the bike at a small ice cream parlor by the roadside, where a few people sat under the shade of trees, enjoying the sea breeze. He helped Lakshmi off the bike, then turned to her and asked, "What flavor do you want?"

Lakshmi, still overwhelmed by the experience, blinked at him in confusion. "What?" she asked.

Vikram smiled and repeated, "What flavor of ice cream would you like?"

Lakshmi, unsure, replied, "Hmm... I don't know. You just get something nice."

Vikram nodded and ordered two vanilla cones. They sat down on the beach together. He handed one to her, and she took a bite, closing her eyes as she savored the taste. Vikram watched her with surprise, his heart racing at the sound she made as she enjoyed the ice cream. His thoughts turned dirty.

Leaning in closer to her, he whispered in her ear, "Don't make such a sound."

Lakshmi opened her eyes abruptly, startled. "Sorry," she murmured, unsure what she had done wrong.

Vikram smiled at her reaction and teased, "No need to apologize. I must be the reason for that sound, not the ice cream."

Lakshmi blinked at him in confusion. "What do you mean?" she asked, her face puzzled.

Vikram leaned back and looked into her eyes. "You'll understand soon. But for now, just enjoy the ice cream."

Lakshmi frowned at his cryptic words but didn't press further. She continued eating her ice cream, while Vikram couldn't resist teasing her with playful comments. They spent some time together, enjoying the quiet of the night and the beautiful view of the sea.

Eventually, they both returned home. Vikram helped her climb the wall again, and they each returned to their rooms, pretending as if nothing had happened. However, unbeknownst to them, someone had been watching.

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Hey guys!!!

What do you think about Vikram and Lakshmi? Without your thoughts, I can't move forward with the story. Please share your comments. No updates will be made until I get clarity on what you think about the story.

So comment.

Bi Bi!!!