chapter 17

The car rolled to a smooth stop, and Pari's fingers instinctively tightened around the folds of her saree. As she turned her gaze outside the window, a sea of flashing cameras and eager reporters came into view. The paparazzi stood poised, ready to bombard them with relentless questions, their voices already rising above the hum of the city.A wave of unease settled over her chest.The chaos outside reminded her too much of the brothel—different faces, different setting, but the same invasive eyes, the same predatory curiosity. The way the men had thrown money at the girls, treating them like commodities, flashed through her mind. Her breath hitched.A gentle, warm touch wrapped around her wrist, pulling her back to reality.She turned, meeting Vikrant's steady gaze. He was watching her, his dark eyes holding a silent promise.His grip remained firm but comforting. He blinked at her reassuringly."No need to answer anything, hm? I'll take care of everything." His voice was low, meant only for her.She nodded, and he smiled faintly before the car door swung open.The moment they stepped out, flashes erupted like lightning, voices clashing over each other in an attempt to grab their attention. The bodyguards immediately stepped in, forming a protective barrier as they guided Vikrant and Pari forward.Mr. Agnihotri, why did you cancel the wedding with Dhwani?Is it true your family was forcing you to marry her?Vikrant, is this a love marriage?Pari, how does it feel to suddenly become the wife of one of India's most eligible bachelors?Did you two know each other before?Mrs. Agnihotri, why is there no information about your family?The questions came from all directions, but Vikrant didn't waver. His arm brushed against Pari's as he guided her inside, his grip still firm around her wrist.She kept her head down, choosing to focus on the way his presence shielded her from the world. She didn't need to answer. She didn't need to justify anything.Because he was there.They stepped into the grand hall, where luxury dripped from every corner. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a golden glow over the space. Rich velvet drapes framed the towering windows, and intricately carved pillars stood tall, showcasing the opulence of the mansion. Every surface gleamed, marble floors polished to perfection, gold-accented furniture arranged elegantly, and rare artwork adorning the walls. The air itself carried the scent of expensive perfumes and aged wine, a silent testament to the wealth that surrounded them.This was an Agnihotri function, it had to be nothing less than splendid. The grandeur of the hall was overwhelming, every detail exuding wealth and prestige. Pari suddenly felt small in the midst of it all. Her gaze shifted to the people around her. Men in tailored suits, women draped in designer sarees and adorned with heirloom jewelry, their laughter smooth, their conversations polished.She glanced down at her saree. It screamed luxury, every thread woven with elegance, every shimmer a reflection of her husband's status. But luxury wasn't just about fabric and gold, it was in the way people carried themselves, in the way they spoke and owned the space they stood in. And that was where her uncertainty settled. Could she match their confidence? Could she sound as refined as them?"Maa is there. Come," Vikrant said, his grip firm yet gentle as he led Pari toward Akansha, who stood at a distance, engaged in conversation with two elegantly dressed women.Pari exhaled quietly. If there was anyone who made her feel comfortable in this overwhelming place, it was Vikrant and Akansha."Maa?"Akansha turned to them, her expression softening into a warm, genuine smile."Ah, here they are. Meet my son and daughter-in-law," she introduced proudly, gesturing toward the couple. The two women turned their attention to them, their gazes lingering a little too long on Pari, as if silently assessing her worth, her background, her place among them.Pari shifted under their scrutiny, her fingers tightening around the edge of her pallu. Vikrant noticed immediately, his posture stiffening as he prepared to snap at them. But before he could, one of the women spoke, her voice laced with a honeyed sweetness."You are so beautiful."Pari managed a polite smile. "Thank you.""So, love marriage?" the other woman inquired, her tone light but eyes sharp.Pari hesitated. What was she supposed to say?"Of course, it is," Vikrant cut in smoothly, his voice unwavering. Pari felt warmth rush to her cheeks at his effortless reply.As the conversation continued, she started to believe these women were polite, maybe even kind. But that illusion shattered the moment Vikrant stepped away.Just as they turned to leave, she overheard their hushed whispers."Did you see her? No confidence at all.""They're definitely hiding something."Pari's stomach twisted, a sigh escaping her lips. She should have known. People here weren't as pleasant as they seemed. Beneath their smiles lay judgment, pretense, and veiled cruelty.She glanced in the direction Vikrant had gone. He was the only reason she was standing here, enduring this. And for him, she would.Moments passed, and people continued approaching Pari, not to genuinely meet her, but to dig into their own narratives, slipping in passive remarks and veiled judgments in the midst of polite conversation."Hey!"Pari flinched at the sudden call but exhaled in relief upon seeing Gautam, Vikrant's most trusted man. Unlike the rest, his smile was genuine."Do you want to eat something?" he asked casually."Uhm... no-"Before she could finish, Gautam cut her off with a knowing smirk. "Don't hesitate. Vikrant sent me to you.""Oh." Pari's gaze instinctively searched for her husband. She found him across the hall, engaged in conversation with a group of businessmen, a glass of alcohol in hand. Even from a distance, his presence was commanding. She looked back at Gautam and shook her head politely. "I'm fine, really."Gautam seemed ready to insist, but before he could say anything, a mocking voice interrupted them from behind."You shouldn't be standing with her, Gautam," the sharp-edged voice carried amusement laced with poison. "Who knows? Her true intentions might slip, and she could end up... cheating on Vikrant."A round of muffled laughter followed the taunt.Pari stiffened. She recognized those voices immediately. Kiara and Sushmita.She turned to face them. Their smiles were anything but sweet and their voices screamed nothing but venom.Kiara's gaze roamed over Pari from head to toe, her expression laced with disdain."Look at her," she scoffed, turning slightly toward Sushmita as if Pari wasn't even standing there. "Does she really think she belongs to the Agnihotris? No matter how much she wraps herself in luxury, branded bags, expensive sarees, jewelry, she still looks... cheap."Her lips curled into a mocking smirk. "Money can buy things, but not class. And she? She'll always look out of place among us."Pari felt a sting at her words, but she didn't flinch. She had heard worse before, endured much harsher words in a life she was desperately trying to leave behind.Gautam stepped forward, his expression darkening as he placed himself between Pari and the two women."Listen," he said, his voice calm but laced with warning. "Walk away before I tell Vikrant everything. And you both know damn well what he's capable of."Kiara and Sushmita exchanged glances before chuckling mockingly."So protective, huh?" Kiara taunted, tilting her head.Sushmita smirked, crossing her arms. "Did she offer you something special for your loyalty? Maybe a night-""Shut the fuck up," Gautam snapped, his voice dropping to a lethal tone. "Say one more word, and I swear you'll regret even opening your mouth."The amusement in their eyes flickered for a brief moment, replaced by unease. Sushmita clenched her jaw, and Kiara's smirk wavered, but they refused to back down completely.With one last glare, Gautam took a protective step back toward Pari, making it clear he wouldn't let them get away with their venom-filled insults.Sugandha approached with a sickly sweet smile that didn't reach her eyes."Hey, hey, hey," she drawled, her gaze flicking between Gautam and Pari before settling on the former. Her smile turned devilish. "What else can we expect from Vikrant's loyal dog?"Then, shifting her attention to Pari, she smirked, her voice dripping with mockery. "And you- well, self-respect was never in your vocabulary, was it? To get Z+ security, I bet you'd sleep with anyone. Gautam included."Kiara and Sushmita burst into laughter, their amusement echoing in the air like a taunt.Pari's fingers curled into her palm, but she didn't lift her gaze. Gautam took a sharp step forward, his mouth parting, ready to snap back, but before he could, Pari's gentle touch on his wrist stopped him.She shook her head ever so slightly, her eyes steady despite the sting of their words. It wasn't worth it. Talking back to them would be as useless as shouting at a brick wall. They weren't here for a conversation, they were here to demean, to provoke.Gautam clenched his jaw but stepped back, his silence far more threatening than words. His sharp gaze flickered between the women, already anticipating what was about to unfold.Pari, unwilling to waste another second in their company, turned to leave only to collide with a firm chest. The familiar scent of cologne mixed with an underlying edge of danger told her exactly who it was before she even looked up.Slowly, she lifted her eyelashes and met Vikrant's gaze.Gautam scoffed internally. The show Kiara, Sushmita, and Sugandha had so confidently started? Vikrant Agnihotri would end it in seconds. And not a single one of them would dare utter a word when he did.Vikrant's grip on Pari's wrist was firm, not painful, but grounding, as if silently reminding her that she wasn't alone. She wanted to stop him, to tell him it wasn't worth it, but fear kept her rooted in place.His dark, piercing gaze locked onto Sugandha, his voice dripping with quiet menace."Dusro ka baithna aur sona dekhne ki bajay, agar aap apne girebaan me ek baar jhaank lein toh zyada behtar rahega."( It would be better if you take a look at your own collar, instead of talking about others' lifestyles.)A hush fell over the space around them. Sugandha's smirk faltered ever so slightly, but Vikrant wasn't done. His gaze flickered to her daughters, a dangerous glint settling in his eyes before returning to the older woman."Raaz hum bhi jante hai. Himmat bhi puri hai. Bas hawa na dijiye, varna aisi aag lagayenge jo bujhane se bhi nahi bujhegi."( I also know secrets and even has courage. Just don't fan the flames or else I will ignite that won't be extinguished even if you try.)The weight of his words lingered, thick and suffocating. Kiara and Sushmita stiffened, their arrogance dimming under his scrutinizing stare.Sugandha opened her mouth, perhaps to throw another jab, but Vikrant merely raised a brow, daring her.She hesitated. And that hesitation was her biggest defeat.He took his wife away from there followed by Gautam." That was fire. I was prepared to record them," Gautam squealed and Vikrant raised his eyebrows at him which was enough for him to shut his mouth and excuse himself.They sat on their seats. Vikrant heaved a sigh and leaned his back against the chair. Pari glanced at him before looking around. Her eyes landed on his parents.Angad and Akansha." Never lower your eyes."Her head snapped toward Vikrant, who was already watching her intently. She blinked, taken aback by the firmness in his voice." Never look down when you know you are right," he added, his tone softer this time, yet carrying the same authority.She nodded, obedient as ever, and the corner of his lips twitched. A low chuckle escaped him, making her frown in confusion. Before she could ask, he signaled a waiter, who promptly placed an assortment of snacks on their table." Have some," he said to her.Pari looked down at the plate, then back at him. "Aap?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.( You?)He shook his head, a lazy smile playing on his lips. "Tum khao."( You eat.)Resting his elbow on the table, he propped his chin against his palm, his gaze locked onto her. His amusement grew as he watched her hesitate before finally picking up a piece of food.Every bite she took, every small movement—he noticed it all. And for reasons unknown to her, his unwavering attention made her heartbeat quicken.Vikrant's gaze flickered to the tiny smear of sauce at the corner of Pari's lips. Before she could even notice, he reached out, his thumb brushing gently against her skin as he wiped it away.She stiffened at the unexpected touch, her breath hitching as she lifted her wide, questioning eyes to him.And then, just as effortlessly, he brought his thumb to his lips, sucking the sauce off with an unreadable expression.Pari's eyes widened in shock, heat rushing up her neck and settling onto her cheeks. The sudden intimacy of the action sent her heart racing. Unable to hold his gaze, she quickly dropped her eyes back to her plate, suddenly finding the food far more interesting than before.Vikrant smirked, clearly amused by her reaction, while Pari desperately willed her blush to disappear." You blush a lot," he murmured and she stuffed another piece of snack in her mouth.All because of you.She mentally replied.Before Vikrant could tease her further, their attention shifted to a voice nearby. Pari frowned, noticing a young man around her age, maybe a year or two older, engaged in conversation with Anubhav and Angad.Vikrant's gaze flickered to the man, and in an instant, his smirk vanished. His entire expression hardened as he quickly looked away, jaw tightening. A shift in his demeanor made it painfully clear that he was not at all pleased by the man's presence.Pari, on the other hand, couldn't tear her eyes away. There was something oddly familiar about the stranger. She studied him closely—his features, his stance.He resembles Vikrant... a little.Her brows furrowed further as she tried to piece together who he might be. And why, despite the crowd around them, Vikrant suddenly looked like he'd rather be anywhere but here.Angad and Anubhav stood with smiles so genuine that it seemed as if they had been waiting for this moment for years. The young man, tall, well-dressed, and exuding a quiet confidence spoke with ease, his voice carrying a warmth that Angad responded to almost instantly.Anubhav clapped a hand on the man's shoulder, laughing heartily at something he said. Angad, too, nodded in approval, his eyes shining with something close to pride. The contrast between their reactions and Vikrant's growing stiffness was jarring.Pari stole a glance at her husband. His fingers drummed against the table, a sure sign of agitation. His eyes were fixed on his father and uncle, but his expression was unreadable. He didn't blink, didn't move, just observed, like a predator watching from the shadows.The conversation continued, and Pari heard Angad's delighted voice."You've grown into quite a man, haven't you?" Anubhav said with a deep chuckle. "I still remember the little boy who used to cling to my leg, demanding stories before bedtime."The young man laughed, his voice rich and full of nostalgia. "And you always gave in, Chachu."Pari blinked. Chachu?Her fingers curled against the fabric of her saree as she observed the dynamic unfolding before her. If this man was Vikrant's cousin, why did Vikrant look like he was forcing himself to stay seated, like he was holding back from reacting?Angad shook his head, grinning. "Not just any story. The one about the warrior prince. You were obsessed with it."The young man laughed again.She glanced at her husband again, only to find his fingers tightening around his glass. His knuckles were taut, the veins in his hand subtly visible. His jaw was locked, and though he was staring at his drink, it was clear he wasn't truly seeing it.Before Pari could extend her hand toward Vikrant, a familiar voice interrupted."Pari, Vikrant, come," Akansha called out as she approached them with a warm yet expectant smile. "Let me introduce you to someone really special."Pari forced a polite smile, even as uncertainty settled in her stomach. Special? The words felt heavy. She wasn't sure if this person was truly special to Vikrant or if he was just special in Akansha's eyes.Before she could process further, she heard Vikrant's voice."Maa, we don't want to meet him," he stated, his tone clipped and distant. "He's not at all special to me."Pari tilted her head slightly sensing the intensity of his words. His voice wasn't merely indifferent, it carried something deeper, something raw. Hatred.Akansha's smile faltered, the warmth in her expression dimming with sorrow. She sighed, placing a gentle yet firm hand on Vikrant's shoulder. "He has come after five years, Vikrant," she said softly, as though trying to soothe a wound he refused to acknowledge. "You can at least greet him."Vikrant's jaw clenched, the muscle ticking as he glared ahead. His grip on his glass turned white-knuckled, as if he were barely holding himself back.Pari followed his gaze and found herself staring at the young man once again.Now, he stood alone. Anubhav and Angad went somewhere.Yet, he didn't look uncomfortable. If anything, he stood with quiet confidence, his posture relaxed as if he belonged in the room, as if nothing about this situation unsettled him.Pari glanced at Akansha, whose face held an almost pleading expression, then back at Vikrant, whose entire body radiated tension.Her mind swirled with questions.Who is he? What happened five years ago? And why does Vikrant, who never lets anything shake him, look like he's standing in front of his worst nightmare?Vikrant exhaled sharply, his fingers tightening around the glass. For a moment, Pari thought he would refuse again, but then, with a look of resigned frustration, he placed the glass down on the table. His mother had won.Defeated by Akansha's request, he stood up, the movement stiff and reluctant. Pari followed, glancing at his side profile. His features were taut with barely concealed irritation, his lips pressed into a thin line.Akansha's smile returned as if she had just secured a small victory, and without wasting another second, she guided them across the hall.The closer they got, the clearer the young man became. He stood at ease, his expression light, lips curved in amusement as he conversed with two familiar figures. Kiara and Sushmita.Pari immediately took in the difference in their demeanor. The two arrogant sisters, who always carried an air of superiority and sharp tongues, looked nothing like their usual selves.Gone were their mocking smirks and condescending expressions. Instead, their faces practically glowed, their smiles wide and their eyes gleaming with delight.Pari had never seen them this... pleasant.He must be their favourite brother.Others seem excited while only her husband seems irritated. And that only made her more curious about the man who had such an effect on her husband.They came to a stop just behind him, close enough to hear the last remnants of Kiara and Sushmita's laughter.Kiara was the first to notice them. Her smile immediately faded, replaced by an eye roll of pure annoyance."Let's go, Di," she said to Sushmita, her voice clipped, as if their presence alone had soured the conversation.Sushmita, who had been smiling up at the man, tilted her head in confusion but followed Kiara's gaze. Her expression mirrored her sister's displeasure the moment she spotted Vikrant and Pari standing behind them.Without another word, the two sisters turned on their heels, walking away without so much as a polite goodbye.Pari's brows furrowed at their abrupt departure.The man, on the other hand, seemed genuinely puzzled. He frowned, shifting slightly as if about to call them back."Ranvi?"The voice that interrupted him was soft, warm, almost nostalgic.Pari glanced at Akansha, who was now smiling at the man, her eyes carrying emotions that Pari couldn't quite place.His name is Ranvi?The name echoed in Pari's mind, but before she could process it further, she noticed the shift in Vikrant's demeanor.His entire body went rigid, his spine straight as a board. His expression, already cold, turned frigid. The muscles in his jaw clenched, and his hands moved behind his back only for his fingers to curl into tight fists.Pari could practically feel the storm brewing inside him.⋆༺✷༻⋆Read more chapters in scrollstack as early access.