chapter 18

The man turned around, his sharp features softening the moment his gaze landed on Akansha. His smile stretched wide, eyes glimmering with something deep."Maa," he murmured, his voice carrying the weight of familiarity and longing. Without hesitation, he bent down to touch her feet.Akansha's smile was warm, maternal. She placed both hands on his head, a silent blessing passing between them.Pari blinked, her mind stuttering to process what she had just witnessed.Maa?Her eyes darted to Vikrant, whose expression remained stony, unreadable but the tight set of his jaw, the way his fists clenched behind his back, betrayed his inner turmoil.The man she had assumed to be Vikrant's cousin was, in reality, his own brother.Akansha gestured towards Pari and Vikrant with a proud yet gentle smile."Meet Pari, your sister-in-law," she introduced.Ranvi turned his gaze toward them, his expression unreadable as he locked eyes with Vikrant. The silent exchange between the brothers stretched for long, tense seconds before he finally shifted his attention to Pari.A warm, genuine smile spread across his face, catching Pari off guard. Before she could react, he crouched down and respectfully touched her feet.Startled, Pari stepped back slightly, eyes widening. " Oh my, bhaiya.. You are older than me." she stammered with an awkward smile, unsure of how to respond.Straightening up, Ranvi chuckled softly. "Par padwi to aapki badi hai, bhabhi," he said with ease, his voice laced with respect.( But you are older in the position.)Pari found herself smiling back, though the air between Vikrant and Ranvi remained heavy with unspoken words.Akansha smiled warmly as she placed a hand on Ranvijay's shoulder."His name is Ranvijay, Pari. He's my younger son," she introduced, her tone carrying both pride and longing.Oh, so his full name is Ranvijay, not just Ranvi. Good enough, Pari mused internally, though she couldn't ignore the thick tension hanging in the air.Ranvijay turned to face Vikrant, his smile dimming slightly as he met his elder brother's gaze. Vikrant stood stiffly, his hands folded behind his back, his posture exuding dominance. But it was his eyes- icy, sharp, and unwavering that sent a clear message.A silent war brewed between them. While Ranvijay's expression held something akin to regret or perhaps longing, Vikrant's stare was nothing short of hostile, like silent daggers aiming straight at him.Pari could feel the weight of their unsaid words pressing against her chest. She glanced at Akansha, who, despite her composed exterior, had a flicker of pain in her eyes as she observed her sons.Vikrant stiffened as his mother's touch grounded him momentarily. Akansha's voice was soft, almost pleading."Vikrant."He clicked his tongue, controlling the storm brewing inside him. Just for his mother, he was willing to keep his anger at bay, at least in front of others. He exhaled sharply, preparing to respond.But before he could even part his lips, Ranvijay beat him to it."Rehne do, Maa." His tone was light, but there was a bite of bitterness underneath. "Bhai hume dekh ke kabhi khush huye hain jo aaj honge."( Leave it, maa. Bhai is never delighted by seeing me and tonight is no different.)Vikrant's brows furrowed, a muscle ticking in his jaw. The casual jab did its job. It hit right where Ranvijay wanted it to.Ranvijay let out a humorless chuckle before scratching the back of his neck, shifting his attention toward Pari."Khushi hui aapse milkar, Bhabhi. Samay mila to dobara zaroor milenge." His smile was polite, but there was something fleeting about it, as if he already knew there wouldn't be a next time.( Glad to meet you, Bhabhi. If time permits, we will meet again.)Pari smiled back, though an unease settled in her chest. Something wasn't right.Before anyone could say anything, Ranvijay turned to leave."Ranvi-" Akansha called out, taking a small step forward, but he was already gone, swallowed by the crowd. Her shoulders sagged, and a sigh slipped past her lips.She turned toward Vikrant, disappointment flashing in her eyes. "You could have at least smiled at him."Vikrant remained silent, his gaze still fixed where Ranvijay had disappeared.Akansha shook her head, defeated, and left without another word.The moment they were alone, Pari finally reached for his hand. He startled slightly at the unexpected warmth of her touch, his cold fingers brushing against her softer ones."Are you okay?"Vikrant's head snapped toward her, his brows knitting together.Of all things, he hadn't expected this. He had expected her to question him, to demand answers about why he didn't welcome Ranvijay, why he held so much resentment toward his own brother.But instead, she asked if he was okay.His throat felt dry. He looked at her, really looked at her. The concern in her eyes wasn't forced, nor was it laced with judgment.For a brief second, something inside him wavered.Vikrant exhaled, looking away. "I'm fine."A lie.She didn't push him further.The party carried on in full swing, the grand hall echoing with laughter, conversations, and the soft clinking of glasses. The waiters moved effortlessly, serving drinks and delicacies as guests mingled, exchanging pleasantries and whispers alike.Finally, the moment arrived. The large, multi-tiered cake was brought to the center, adorned with intricate golden designs and fresh flowers. Angad and Akansha stood side by side, hands clasped together, as everyone gathered around them.A round of applause erupted as they cut the cake, feeding each other the first bites. The cameras flashed, capturing the moment that was supposed to be nothing but joyous.Vikrant stood at the back, his arms folded, his jaw set tight. His mood had been steadily deteriorating, and now, with the sight before him, it was nearly at its worst.What was he supposed to feel in the presence of people he hated?His gaze remained fixed on his father. Angad had an arm wrapped around Ranvijay, pulling him into a warm embrace before feeding him a piece of cake. His father's proud smile, the affectionate pat on Ranvijay's back, it was all too much.Vikrant scoffed under his breath. When had Angad ever looked at him like that? When had he ever held him like that?Akansha, ever observant, caught sight of him standing at a distance. Her gaze flickered toward Pari, who stood beside him, her expression uncertain.She called them.Pari straightened, momentarily startled before catching Akansha's kind gaze. She quickly recovered, offering a small smile before gently tugging at Vikrant's sleeve." Let's go," she said to him.That pulled him out of his daze. He exhaled sharply before walking toward the family gathering, Pari following closely beside him. The photographer signaled for everyone to gather closer. The entire family, for once, stood together. The moment was meant to reflect unity, happiness, and a perfect bond.But it was all a lie.Even as they stood shoulder to shoulder, the invisible distance between them was undeniable.Pari could feel the fake smiles, the forced laughter, the way everyone adjusted themselves just enough for the cameras but not a second longer.Most of them despised her. And yet, at this moment, no one dared to utter a single cruel word. Not while the cameras were rolling.Instead, they all played their part.They smiled.They posed.They pretended.The perfect family, captured in a single frame.After the cake-cutting ceremony, the guests slowly drifted toward the dining area, indulging in conversations while savoring the lavish spread of delicacies. The aroma of rich Indian cuisine wafted through the air, mingling with the soft melody of classical music playing in the background.Pari, however, had her attention elsewhere.Her gaze fell on Vikrant, who sat beside her, his posture slightly slouched, his fingers loosely curled around the glass in his hand. His dark eyes were locked onto the amber liquid, swirling it absentmindedly as if lost in thought.She had been silently observing him for a while now. He hadn't moved, hadn't spoken, hadn't even acknowledged the dinner being served.Pari sighed, her lips pressing into a thin line.How much more will he drink?She shook her head in disbelief before calling him, " Vikrant?"He blinked, snapping out of his trance, before shifting his gaze to her. His expression remained unreadable, but she could sense the storm within him."I need to use the washroom," she told him.Vikrant straightened slightly, the protective instincts ingrained in him flickering to the surface. "Should I-"" I'll manage," she interjected, offering him a small reassuring smile.Had he been in a better mood, he would have never let her go alone. He would have followed her, waited outside, and made sure she was safe. But right now, his mind was clouded, disturbed.He nodded.Sighing softly, she turned on her heel and made her way toward the washroom, her saree flowing gracefully with each step.Little did she know, as she walked away, a pair of eyes discreetly followed her movements from across the hall...Pari let the cool water run over her hands, savoring the brief moment of solitude away from the heavy atmosphere of the party. She picked up a tissue and wiped her hands dry, her fingers smoothing down the creases of her saree before she lifted her gaze to the mirror.She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, adjusting her earrings before exhaling softly. Time to go back.Turning on her heels, she stepped toward the door, only to halt abruptly when it swung open.A figure entered.Her body stiffened instantly.A man.In the ladies' washroom.Her frown deepened, and she instinctively took a step back, her pulse quickening.The dim lighting of the washroom cast sharp shadows across his face, but she could still make out his features—deep-set eyes, a leering smirk, and an aura of filth that made her skin crawl.Then recognition hit her like a cold slap.Her heart sank.She knew him.He was the same middle-aged man who used to frequent the brothel, the one who always lurked in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to get close to her.Back then, whenever Vikrant wasn't around, he had tried to touch her, his lecherous gaze always stripping her of any sense of safety.And now, he was here.Inside the washroom.Her stomach churned in disgust as her hands clenched into fists at her sides.His smirk widened, his movements sluggish, but the intent behind them was unmistakable. The stench of alcohol clung to him, and his eyes gleamed with predatory amusement as he shut the door behind him."Well, well, well... look who we have here," he drawled, his voice thick with intoxication. "Didn't think I'd see you again like this, Pari."Pari's breath hitched, but she forced herself to stay composed. She took another step back, maintaining the distance between them while her mind worked furiously.This was not the brothel.She was not helpless anymore.And most importantly, she was Vikrant's wife now.Pari's fingers trembled slightly as she reached into her purse, her heart hammering against her ribs. She felt the cool metal of her mobile and clutched it tightly.She needed to call Vikrant.She needed to get out.But before she could even unlock her phone, the man lunged forward with startling speed, his hand snatching the device from her grip.Her breath hitched as she gasped loudly.A cold, amused chuckle escaped his lips as he dangled the phone mockingly in front of her face.Pari's stomach twisted in disgust, but she refused to let fear take over. She quickly stepped to the side, attempting to walk past him and make a run for the door.But he was faster.A rough shove sent her stumbling backward, her back colliding against the cold, tiled wall.A sharp gasp left her lips.Her palms pressed against the wall instinctively as she tried to create as much distance as possible between them.But he stepped closer.Too close.The overpowering stench of alcohol filled her senses, making her stomach churn.He chuckled again, his voice filled with vile amusement. "Kya baazi maari hai Vikrant ne..."( Vikrant has hit the jackpot.)Pari's fingers curled into fists as she glared at him.She refused to let him see the fear in her eyes.The man raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his drunken eyes as he scanned her from head to toe."Agnihotriyo ki bahu bante hi itna ghamand aankhon mein aa gaya?" he sneered, stepping closer. "If I had known earlier that you were this desperate for money, I would've taken you for myself. Would've married you, even."( You have become arrogant after becoming Agnihotri's daughter-in-law.)Pari's stomach twisted in revulsion.His smirk deepened, his gaze dark and vile. " Par saali, tu to-"( But bitch you-)SMACK!The sharp sound of skin meeting skin echoed through the empty washroom.The force of Pari's slap snapped his head to the side.For a moment, he stood frozen, his cheek burning red from the impact. Pari's breathing was heavy, her hands trembling, tears stinging her eyes.But she didn't let herself falter.With all her strength, she shoved him back and made a dash for the door.But before she could reach it, a sharp pain shot through her scalp.A startled cry left her lips as her head jerked backward.He had grabbed her by the hair.Yanking her back with a violent pull, he threw her against the sink counter. Her hip hit the hard marble, a sharp sting spreading through her side."Bitch!" he spat, his teeth gritted in fury.Pari barely had time to recover before his rough hands clamped around her jaw.Tightly.Painfully.Her whimper of protest was muffled as his fingers dug into her cheeks."How dare you raise your hands at me?" he growled, his breath reeking of alcohol. His nails pressed into her soft skin, making her wince. "Do you even know who I am? Do you even realize what I can do to you?"Pari struggled, her hands pushing against his chest, but he didn't budge.He only smirked, watching her with sick pleasure."A worthless piece of shit like you has grown wings after marrying that man, huh?" he taunted, shaking her face slightly in his grip.Pari's breath came out in short gasps.She tried to yell, tried to scream, but his hold on her cheeks was so tight that the words barely formed."L-leave me!" she tried, her voice muffled and strained.Her heart pounded against her ribs, fear clawing at her throat.He threw his head back and laughed, his breath reeking of alcohol and filth. Pari's stomach churned. The sheer helplessness of the moment made her eyes sting, her past traumas clawing their way back into her mind.Her body trembled, but his next words snapped something inside her." I'm sure Vikrant wouldn't mind sharing you with me, no?" he sneered.Pari's fists clenched at her sides, rage boiling in her veins.And before she could stop herself, she spat out, "When we weren't even married, he never let anyone else have me while he was around. And now that I'm his wife? if he even finds out about what you're doing, the kind of fate you'll meet... only he knows."The drunken smirk on the man's face vanished. His eyes darkened."You little-" He gritted his teeth and grabbed a fistful of her hair, yanking it so hard that a scream tore from her throat.Her scalp burned.She clawed at his hands, her nails scratching his skin, but he was relentless."Shut up!" he hissed and clamped a rough palm over her mouth, muffling her cries.Pari thrashed in his hold, hitting his chest with all her might, but his grip didn't loosen.Her heart pounded in terror.Just then-BANG!The washroom door flew open, crashing against the wall.a familiar voice erupted through the air."Mama!"Ranvijay grabbed the man by the collar and wrenched him away from Pari with so much force that he stumbled back, barely keeping his balance. Pari gasped, her body sagging against the wall as she finally sucked in a breath. Her heart was pounding so loudly in her chest that she could hear it in her ears. Tears streamed down her cheeks, but she couldn't wipe them, her hands were still trembling too much.The man, still slightly drunk, raised his palms in defense, his eyes darting between Ranvijay and Pari. His lips twisted into a pathetic smirk, trying to cover up his crime."It's not what you think, Ranvi," he started, his voice shaky yet laced with arrogance. "She... she was trying to seduce me! You know her background, don't you?" He scoffed. "A girl like her doesn't change overnight just because she married into the Agnihotri family. I tried to stop her, but she just wouldn't listen. So I had to raise my hand to put her in place."Pari's stomach churned in disgust. She felt sick that such a man even existed, sick that he could twist reality with such ease.Her fingers dug into the cold tiles behind her, trying to ground herself. But before she could even think of defending herself, Ranvijay's voice thundered through the washroom."Shut up, Mama!"His tone carried so much rage that even the man flinched.Ranvijay's fists clenched at his sides, his entire body rigid with anger. His sharp gaze flickered toward Pari and all she could see was concern for herself.His jaw tightened as he turned back to the man, his voice a deadly whisper." You dare lay a hand on bhabhi?"The air in the room dropped to a suffocating silence.The man shook his head, taking a nervous step back. "No... Ranvi, you don't understand. She tried to seduce me-"Before he could utter another word, Ranvijay's fist collided with his face. A sickening crunch echoed through the washroom as the man stumbled backward, clutching his bleeding lip.Pari flinched at the violent sound, but a strange sense of relief washed over her.The man blinked in shock, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth with trembling fingers. His eyes, wide with disbelief, darted to Ranvijay."R-Ranvi?" he stuttered, his voice laced with confusion. "You... you hit me?"Ranvijay pinched the bridge of his nose, taking a sharp breath to control the fury raging inside him. His fingers curled into a fist again, itching to land another punch."Bhaag jao, Mama." His voice was low, lethal. "Isse pehle ki bhai tumhari chita yahi jala de."( Run, mama before bhai burns your pyre right here.)The man swallowed hard."Ranvi, listen-"His words died in his throat as a fierce, familiar voice thundered through the washroom."What is happening here?"Pari's heart skipped a beat. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes filled with tears. She turned toward the entrance and there he was.Vikrant.Her legs moved before she could think. She didn't wait a second before running straight into his arms, crashing against his chest with a choked sob. The scent of his cologne, the warmth of his embrace, it was all she needed.Vikrant frowned, instantly wrapping his arms around her, securing her tightly against him. His grip was firm, possessive, protective."Pari?" His voice came out softer than he intended, laced with concern. He pulled back slightly, but she only buried herself deeper into him, her body trembling.His eyes lifted, first to Ranvijay, whose expression burned with silent rage. Then, to the man, blood smeared on his lips, a handprint red against his cheek.It didn't take Vikrant more than a second to put the pieces together. His gaze darkened, jaw tightening as pure, raw fury surged through him.The man had dared to touch his Pari.A storm brewed within Vikrant's eyes, cold and unforgiving.His fingers twitched against Pari's back. The only reason he wasn't tearing that man apart at this very moment was because of the trembling woman in his arms.But that wouldn't last long.The man stumbled back, holding his hands up in a desperate attempt to plead his case. His lips trembled as he stuttered, "Vikrant... I-I can explain–"That was his biggest mistake.The moment he took a step forward, Vikrant saw red. His hold on Pari tightened as if shielding her from the filth standing in front of them. His blood boiled, his rage uncontainable.Before Ranvijay could even react, Vikrant lashed out. With a deadly precision that came naturally to him, he lifted his leg and kicked the man straight in the abdomen.A sickening grunt tore through the air as the man was thrown backward. He crashed against the sink, his back slamming into the cold marble. A sharp gasp left his lips as pain shot through his body, but Vikrant wasn't done.Keeping Pari securely tucked against him, his protective instincts flared like never before. His grip on her remained firm as if he'd never let her go.He looked like an untamed beast ready to destroy.He wouldn't listen. Not now. Not ever.For him, the only truth was Pari.His Pari.His world.⋆༺✷༻⋆To be continued.Read more chapters in scrollstack!