chapter 16

Akansha spotted her son in the living room, leaning against the couch with a cigarette between his fingers, his expression unreadable as he spoke into the phone. She didn't interrupt, instead choosing to wait patiently, her sharp eyes observing him.As soon as he ended the call, exhaling a slow stream of smoke, she walked over and settled beside him." You're smoking again," she remarked, her tone carrying both familiarity and quiet disapproval.Vikrant remained silent, staring at the glowing tip of his cigarette as it burned slowly between his fingers. What could he possibly say? That he smoked because it had become a habit too deeply ingrained to break? That each drag felt like a temporary escape, even though he knew it was pulling him deeper into something he couldn't outrun?Akansha changed the topic,"Have you told Pari to get ready?"Vikrant glanced at his mother, clicking his tongue in frustration.Sunday.A day he had planned so perfectly- a peaceful time with his wife and mother, watching movies, eating snacks, and creating memories he could actually cherish. But, of course, his family had to ruin it.They had forcefully invited them to celebrate the golden jubilee of Akansha and his so-called father, Angad- a man who had been nothing more than a name in his life." What's the need of going there? It's not like his gathering will be affected by our absence," he uttered with pure irritation in voice.It would have been better to spend a dull, uneventful Sunday than to step into that house and put on a mask for the world. The thought of standing beside Angad Agnihotri, acting like the perfect son in front of the media, made his stomach churn.He tapped the cigarette against the ashtray, watching the embers fall. A humorless chuckle escaped his lips as he took a slow drag, letting the smoke swirl around him. Akansha put her hand on his thigh." You know the reason, son."" Of course I do," he uttered bitterly.Angad Agnihotri wasn't calling them out of love or familial warmth. No, this golden jubilee wasn't about cherishing a fifty-year-old marriage. It was about power. About putting on a grand show for the world.A perfect family. A devoted wife. An accomplished son.A lie.Vikrant scoffed, crushing the cigarette into the tray with more force than necessary." I will be leaving now. Make sure you arrive on time," Akansha said to her son.He just hummed dryly and dropped his head back on the headrest before closing his eyes. Akansha sighed softly and stood up to leave the house, because she had to get ready.Vikrant opened his eyes when Akansha left and he felt someone sitting beside him. A familiar scent entered his nostrils.He turned his head slightly, blinking as his gaze landed on Pari.She was sitting with her hands clasped in her lap, her fingers lightly fidgeting. Sensing the weight of his silent stare, she shifted uncomfortably, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear." Uhm, are you okay?"She asked in a comforting manner. He did not say anything. Maybe, she disturbed his alone time. She avoided his gaze and tried getting up to leave but stopped when he said," Stay.."Her heart skipped a beat. She hesitated for a moment before sitting back down.Vikrant didn't look at her. Instead, he shifted closer, closing the space between them. Then, without a word, he lowered his head and rested his forehead against her shoulder.A soft sigh escaped his lips, as if a weight had momentarily lifted from him. His hand found its way to her lap, resting there absentmindedly.Pari sat frozen, her breath caught in her throat. She could feel his warmth, the subtle rise and fall of his chest.She had never seen him like this. So unguarded. So... vulnerable." Are.. you okay?"She asked and he withdrew his head." Get ready. We have to leave at 7 PM."A crease formed on her forehead as she asked, " for?"His expression stiffened and gaze moved away from her, " anniversary of my.. parents."She didn't notice the way he hesitated between words, the way his voice carried something unspoken. Instead, she gasped lightly." And I didn't even know. I should have congratulated maa," she felt disappointed in herself.He smiled with a hint of bitterness in it and said while taking out another cigarette from the pack," There's no need to congratulate her."Pari blinked, sensing something beneath his words- discomfort, maybe even betrayal. But before she could dwell on it, her attention snapped to the cigarette he was about to light.She grabbed his wrist, " don't."He arched an eyebrow, amused by her sudden boldness." Tumhe bhi peeni hai ye?"( Do you want to smoke as well?)She scrunched her nose in disgust. "No... I'm stopping you."A pause. Then, more hesitantly, she added,"You... you smoke too much."Vikrant studied her for a moment, the cigarette still between his fingers. Her grip on his wrist wasn't strong, but there was something resolute in it.Did she even have the right to stop him?Maybe she did.She was his wife, after all." Remember, you used to light this for me."His voice was low, almost casual, yet it carried a weight that made her stomach twist. The cigarette remained unlit between his fingers, his gaze locked onto her." Because I was at no place to order or request you."Corner of his lips curved into a small smirk." And now?"She swallowed, her grip on his wrist loosening before she withdrew her hand completely. The absence of her touch sent an unexpected wave of yearning through him." Means?"He leaned slightly closer, his smirk deepening." Pehle fikar nahi thi hamari?"( You did not care about me before?)Her heart skipped a beat and she felt heat creeping up to her face. She parted her lips to respond, but the weight of his gaze stole the words from her tongue." Thi na.. par-"( I did.. but-)The rest of her sentence died in her throat as his eyes flickered downward, lingering on her lips for just a fraction of a second before returning to hers. The slow, deliberate movement sent a shiver down her spine. Her fingers curled slightly in her lap, the space between them suddenly feeling too small, too charged." Abhi hukum de rahi ho ya binati kar rahi ho?"( Are you ordering or requesting me right now?)She blinked, her lashes fluttering as she met his gleaming eyes. There was something playful in his tone, yet beneath it, a challenge lingered.Order or request?If it meant making him let go of this habit, she could do either. Or both.Her fingers tightened slightly on the fabric of her dress, and she straightened her shoulders, mustering courage." Jo aap chahe.."( Whatever you like.)His smirk widened as he said," Hukum de do. Binati kahi aur karna."( Order me. You can request somewhere else.)She blinked, trying to grasp the meaning behind his words, but the weight of his gaze distracted her. There was something intimate about the way he said it, something that sent an unfamiliar flutter through her chest.He leaned back and put the cigarette back in the pack, for now. She stared at him, surprised. He wasn't lighting it. Not now, at least.Her heart swelled with something she couldn't quite name- relief, maybe, or something deeper. Something that made her believe, just for a moment, that she had a place in his world." Uhm.. I should get ready."He hummed and she hurriedly went away from there before she ended up making stupid scenarios about him. The moment she stepped into their bedroom, she shut the door behind her, resting her back against it as she exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Her palm instinctively pressed against her chest, feeling the rapid thud of her heart beneath it.A soft, involuntary smile tugged at her lips.What was happening to her?She closed her eyes for a second, shaking her head at herself. The way he spoke, the way his eyes held hers as if trying to uncover something-he had no idea what he was doing to her. How effortlessly he made her feel things she never thought she would.Her mind replayed the way his smirk deepened at her words, the teasing lilt in his voice, the way he had silently put away the cigarette just because she had asked him to.She bit her lip.She needed to stop making up silly scenarios about him, about them. She was already too deep into this whirlwind of emotions, and she wasn't even sure if she wanted to find a way out anymore.Pari sighed and lightly slapped her forehead, as if scolding herself for her own thoughts. Shaking her head, she pushed herself off the door and walked toward the bathroom.As soon as she turned on the tap, the cold water flowed over her fingers, making her shiver slightly. Cupping her hands, she splashed the cool water onto her face, hoping to wash away the warmth that had crept up her cheeks moments ago. She looked at her reflection in the mirror, noticing the slight pink on her skin. A deep breath later, she reached for the towel, dabbing her face dry before stepping back into the room.She walked to the wardrobe, her fingers brushing over the hangers as she scanned through the collection of sarees and suits. Pulling out a perfect saree for the occasion, she carefully laid it on the bed before selecting matching jewelry-a delicate pair of golden jhumkas and a simple bangle.She sat on the stool in front of the mirror and started doing her makeup. She made a loose low bun of her hair before picking up a small bottle of sindoor and filling her hairline with it. She reached for the tiny bindi case and placed a small maroon bindi between her brows. The kohl was next; she carefully lined her eyes, adding a touch of mascara to complete the look. Her lips, already full and soft, needed just a hint of color, so she applied a subtle shade of rose.Satisfied with her look, she stood up and walked toward the bed. She stripped her previous clothes and grabbed her saree to drape it, only after putting blouse and petticoat on.While draping saree, a thought crossed her mind. How will Agnihotri family react after seeing her? They won't show their degrading thoughts about her to the world for sure but wouldn't invite her to their personal moment.She let out a soft sigh and shook the thoughts away. She is just going there for Akansha and nobody else. Moreover, Vikrant is going to be with her.She was just pinning her pallu with a blouse when the door of the room opened and Vikrant." Are you-"His words hung in the air, unfinished, as his gaze landed on her. His usual sharp eyes softened, taking in the sight before him. She stood near the mirror, draped in an off-white saree with an elegant golden border, the fabric clinging gracefully to her form. The light shimmered against the embroidery, casting a soft glow around her.She dared a glance at him through the mirror, and the intensity in his eyes made her heart stutter.Vikrant, for the first time in a long while, found himself speechless. His wife, his Pari , stood before him looking like a dream. No extravagant jewelry, no heavy makeup, just pure elegance that left him utterly captivated. His grip on the door handle tightened before he finally cleared his throat, masking whatever emotions had flickered across his face."You're ready?" His voice came out slightly rougher than intended.Pari nodded, though the warmth spreading across her cheeks betrayed her composure. "Almost," she murmured, reaching for the gajra.He approached her, " let me help."Her fingers paused mid-air as she blinked, staring at his reflection in the mirror. He stood right behind her, his dark eyes meeting hers through the glass.He took the delicate jasmine garland from the dresser. His fingers brushed against hers for the briefest second, and she felt an involuntary shiver crawl up her spine.She stood frozen as he carefully lifted her hair, his fingers grazing the nape of her neck, sending an unfamiliar heat rushing through her veins. He secured the gajra around her bun, the soft petals cool against her skin. The air between them grew thick, filled with the faint scent of jasmine.She could sense him stealing glances at her through the mirror. Even though he was done with this task, he was still behind her. She parted her mouth to say," Is it done?"He came back to reality, " hn? Yeah yeah."She scratched the end of his left eyebrow and stepped back. He cleared his throat." I should get ready."She nodded and he walked toward the cupboard to grab a perfect outfit for himself. Although he was trying hard to distract himself, Pari's presence overpowered him and he couldn't help but to stare at her from time to time.She always looked beautiful in whatever outfit she wore but today.. She looked extremely mesmerizing. So royal. So elegant and so his.He slipped his arms into the sleeves of black t-shirt and stared at her fixing her anklets while sitting on the bed. Her back is facing him.If he hadn't taken that step... if he had left her in that wretched place, someone else would have stained him, ruined her in ways he couldn't even bear to imagine. The mere thought sent a wave of fury coursing through his veins, dark and all-consuming.His fingers clenched around the button of his shirt as his possessiveness surged to dangerous heights. She was his. His wife. His woman. No other man had the right to even look at her, let alone touch her.A sharp snap echoed in the room. He looked down to find the button of his shirt lying on the floor, ripped clean from the fabric by his own hand. He didn't even realise how tight he was holding it.Pari looked behind him then at the button on the floor. She got down from the bed and he picked up the button from the floor." Should I give another?"Pari asked. He glanced at the clock. 6:56 showed and they had to leave by 7.He shook his head, " leave it-"" No, just wait for a moment."She said and walked to the cupboard. He sighed and removed his shirt he poured his anger on. She selected a nice shirt and handed it to him. Thankfully it was iron.Once he was ready, he slipped into his polished shoes and walked toward the mirror. Picking up the cologne bottle from the dresser, he uncapped it and sprayed a few spritzes along his neck and wrists.The rich, musky scent filled the air, blending seamlessly with his presence- intense, commanding. He adjusted the cuffs of his blazer, his sharp gaze briefly flickering to his reflection.Satisfied, he set the bottle down and turned on his heels, ready to leave." Suniye."( Listen.)He turned to her and found her holding a gold chain in her hand." You forgot this."He nodded and was about to forward his hand at her but refrained himself as a thought crossed his mind. He locked his hands behind his back and mischief glistened in his eyes." Pehna do."( Make me wear it.)She blinked." Me?"He nodded." Is there a second wife of mine whom I can ask her to do this?"No, he cannot. The thought was enough to burn her.She hesitated for a moment before stepping closer, the scent of his cologne mingling with hers in the small space between them. Taking a deep breath, she tiptoed to reduce the height difference, carefully reaching around his neck.But just as her fingers brushed against his skin, he smirked and, in a playful act of defiance, stood on his toes, making the distance even more challenging.She frowned, " don't do this."He stood on his feet flat and before she could wrap the chain around his neck, he tilted his head slightly back." Stay still," she ordered him and he obeyed.She lowered herself back onto her heels as he leaned forward, effortlessly closing the distance between them. The movement was subtle, but it was enough to make her fingers tremble slightly as she lifted the gold chain to his neck.Her heartbeat quickened as she carefully looped it around him, trying her best to ignore the weight of his unwavering gaze on her face. She tilted her head slightly to the side, focusing on the tiny hook that needed to be fastened. But the moment she did, his gaze intensified. She could feel it, the way his eyes traced every little movement- the flutter of her lashes, the way her lips parted ever so slightly in concentration.It was too much.Her hands fumbled, the tiny hook refusing to listen to her as she struggled to secure it. A quiet sigh of frustration escaped her lips. Ignoring the heat creeping up her face, she finally managed to secure the chain and let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding." Do..done," she fumbled out of nervousness and stepped back only to stumble and grab his shirt to support herself.She cursed herself for behaving like this and let go of his shirt." Sorry," she mumbled and faced her back at him. She slapped her forehead and reached for her sandals.He smiled and put the chain beneath his shirt. She grabbed her mobile then both turned to leave the room together.⋆༺✷༻⋆To be continue..Share you views in the comment.Read in scrollstack as early access ( Paid)Scrollstack Id- SSneha7