Chapter 6

Lakshmi had become well accustomed to life in the mansion. She and Latha had formed a strong bond, especially in the kitchen, where Lakshmi's efficiency made her an irreplaceable helper. Latha had shown her where to buy the best ingredients from the market, and Lakshmi executed her tasks with perfection, always making sure everything was in order.

Savitri, Lakshmi's aunt, was pleased with how well she had settled in. Every day, Lakshmi would go to the market to buy fresh vegetables and other kitchen supplies. Latha had carefully taught her where to find everything, and Lakshmi's sharp memory ensured she never forgot. She had even formed a brotherly bond with Raghu, who, like her, came from a village. They often swapped stories of their hometowns, talking about how much they missed the simplicity and warmth of village life.

Life for Lakshmi seemed to be peaceful, except when Vikram was around. Just hearing his name was enough to make her body stiffen in unease. She didn't know why, but something about him made her uncomfortable. Vikram, on the other hand, hated seeing her react this way. It frustrated him to no end, and the more she distanced herself, the more irritated he became.

One day, Vikram came home early from the office. He went straight to the kitchen and asked Latha for a cup of coffee, hoping she would send it with Lakshmi.

As he had anticipated, Lakshmi knocked on his door a short while later, holding the coffee in her hands. Vikram opened the door quickly, eager to see her. In his haste, he pulled her into the room, and the coffee slipped from her hands, splashing onto the floor. Lakshmi froze, her eyes wide with fear. She didn't understand what was happening. Her heart pounded as Vikram closed the door behind them.

Vikram walked slowly toward her, his gaze fixed on hers. Lakshmi felt her body tremble and instinctively took a step back. She could feel the tension thickening in the air as he moved closer. With a shaky voice, she whispered, "Why did you lock the door? Please open it. Latha aunty asked me to come quickly."

Vikram paused, noticing her fear. His frustration turned to confusion, and he softened, though still clearly hurt. "Why are you trembling like this? Do I look like a monster to you? Have I done something to make you afraid?" His voice held a mix of pain and confusion. "Why do you keep running away from me?I know you know that I have feelings for you. Why do you avoid me so much?"

Lakshmi's eyes filled with tears as she listened to his words. Her voice cracked as she spoke, "No, I'm not that type of girl. Please... don't think that of me." She clasped her hands together in front of her, pleading silently for him to understand.

Vikram clenched his jaw, hurt by her words. How could she think of him that way? Did she see him as some sort of pervert? He realized with a pang of regret that Adharv had been right—she had misunderstood his feelings. He sighed deeply, trying to calm himself, then took a step toward her.

Lakshmi took another step back, her fear growing as he advanced. But Vikram reached out, gently grasping her wrist, and pulled her toward him. He cupped her face in his hands, his touch soft but firm as he spoke slowly, trying to make her understand. "What made you think that I'm after you out of lust? Have I ever looked at you inappropriately? Or touched you in any way? Tell me. What can I do to make you understand that it's love I feel for you?"

Lakshmi stood frozen in his grip, her heart racing at his words. His touch, though gentle, made her feel as though she were caught in a storm. She couldn't process it. Love? The word echoed in her mind. Why would he say such a thing?

Vikram continued, his voice tender yet filled with deep emotion. "Do you know that from the first moment I saw you, you've never left my thoughts? I can't sleep at night because of you. I don't even want to go out anymore. Before you came, I hated being at home, but now... I never want to leave. I'm deeply, madly in love with you, Lakshmi. I can't imagine my life without you."

Lakshmi was in utter shock, unable to process his words. She thought, Why would he love someone like me? He lives in the city; he must have met so many beautiful women. I'm not even that pretty. Why would he say this? Her mind raced, and doubt crept in. Does he truly love me, or is he just trying to trap me with his words?

Her trance was broken when Vikram spoke again, his voice filled with longing and frustration. "Lakshmi, why can't you understand me?"

Tears flowed freely down her cheeks as she struggled to process everything. Why had fate brought her here? she wondered. She wiped her tears slowly, trying to regain some composure. Her voice was barely a whisper as she pleaded, "Please... I'm scared. Don't talk like this. I want to go now. Please... open the door."

Vikram's expression faltered when he saw her distress. His voice softened, though a trace of resolve still remained. "Alright, you can go. But I won't stop until you accept my love. I will prove my feelings to you," he said, releasing his grip on her. He walked toward the door, opening it and gesturing for her to leave.

Lakshmi didn't hesitate. Without looking back, she bolted out of the room, her heart pounding wildly in her chest, desperate to escape the whirlwind of emotions she couldn't understand.

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