ANIRA'S POV:
"But, Dad..." As usual, he didn't listen to me and hung up the call. I'm fed up with all this.
My dad thinks I'm just a useless burden for our family. I've tried sharing my problems with him, but he isn't ready to listen. It's already been four days in this house; each passing second suffocates me.
Devansh has tortured me relentlessly. Aaradhya knows about this deal; how can she be with a man with no morals? I feel sorry for Aaradhya. I tried telling her the truth about Devansh's reality.
"Why do you try to seduce him, Anira? You're a characterless woman; distance yourself from my love," she said.
Why am I such a misunderstood person here? Neha's still angry with me; she doesn't respond. I've deactivated my SIM.
My eyes locked onto the clock striking 7 pm. With every passing minute, my heart beats faster, racing with the thought that Devansh would enter anytime. He'd force himself on me again or take out his frustrations on me - his daily routine. And I can't oppose him!
Because my family needs my self-respect to earn a comeback in the business world. "Wow, what luck, Anira," my inner self mocked. What's my fault? I just wanted to support my family.
I stood up from the bed and moved towards the balcony. "Does supporting your family cost your self-respect and dignity?" A question stormed my mind.
Disappointed, I stood motionless.
"The CA finals results will be out anytime." But being here makes me feel as my future look bleak.
As I gazed out the balcony, the city lights blurred together, reflecting my distorted life. The sound of the door opening made my heart sink.
"Devansh's back."
I steeled myself, preparing for another night of torture.
"Anira, my love," Devansh said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
I stood frozen, anticipating his next move.
I immediately turned around, my grip on the balcony railing tightening. "Dev... Devansh, you're back," I stammered.
"Of course, my love, I'm back," he said, approaching me with his hands moving towards my waist.
"I'll get your clothes; let me freshen up," I quickly interjected, moving aside to ensure he didn't touch me. My hands shivered in fear. I felt weak under his gaze.
Suddenly, I felt a strong grab from behind.
"Are you distancing yourself from me?" Devansh pulled me harshly towards himself.
"No... no," I replied, fearful.
"Really?" he questioned back, his tone incredulous.
"Please, not today," I begged him.
Devansh's grip tightened, his breath hot against my ear.
"You're mine, Anira. Body and soul."
I tried to push him away, but he held firm.
"Please, Devansh, not today."
"Today, tomorrow, every day. You're my property."
His words seared into my mind, fueling my desperation.
I struggled to break free, but Devansh's grip only intensified.
Fear consumed me, and tears prickled at the corners of my eyes.
"Devansh, please," I begged, my voice trembling.
But he didn't relent.
Suddenly, I remembered my father's words: "Endure this for our family's sake."
The thought strengthened my resolve.
I pushed Devansh with all my might.
"Leave me alone!" I shouted.
Devansh stumbled back, surprised.
For a moment, we locked eyes.
Then, he smiled sinisterly.
"This isn't over, Anira."
His words made shiver ran down my spine .
Suddenly his phone rang making him to exit the room . I finally took a relief sigh .
"Thank God" , I whispered.
Seeking the opportunity I made my way out of the room .
I ran down the stairs directly towards the garden. Without pause, my running session transitioned into heavy breathing. My hand rested on my chest, feeling the heartbeat. But it wasn't the running that accelerated my heartbeat; it was the terrifying thoughts that flooded my mind after seeing him.
Suddenly, a soft touch on my shoulder broke my trance. I turned around with a jerk, expecting to see the source of my anxiety, but found Vineeta Aunty, our housemaid, instead. Her warm smile was a balm to my frazzled nerves.
"Are you okay, beta?" she asked, concern etched in her voice.
I nodded, still trying to calm down. Vineeta Aunty patted my back reassuringly and left.
As I stood there, my thoughts returned to the daunting task ahead. Tomorrow, I would visit Rajvanshi's mansion for the first time since my marriage. Maybe, just maybe, I could muster the courage to talk to Dad face-to-face about my troubles. I was sure he would listen.
I took a deep breath, feeling a glimmer of hope. Vineeta Aunty's kindness had soothed my nerves, but the uncertainty of tomorrow's conversation still lingered.
As I turned to head back inside, the setting sun cast long shadows across the garden, mirroring the turmoil within me. The sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves filled the air, but my mind was already at Rajvanshi's mansion, rehearsing the words I would say to Dad.
Would I find the courage to speak my truth, or would the weight of tradition and expectation silence me?
NEXT DAY :
I stood before the mirror, my heart heavy with unanswered questions. Ready to visit my childhood home, I was nonetheless flooded with negative thoughts. My heart raced as if competing in a marathon. Taking a deep breath, I gathered my courage, grabbed my handbag, and headed towards the car.
"Anira!!" Aunty's voice interrupted me.
I turned around to face her. "Where are you going?" she asked.
"I'm meeting my parents today," I replied.
"Are the kitchen chores done?" she questioned further.
I nodded affirmatively, and she left.
As the car approached Rajvanshi's mansion, my anxiety intensified. Yet, I was excited to spend a few hours with my family after so many days. I had seen the joyful welcome given to newlyweds in movies and hoped for something similar.
Upon arriving, the housemaid opened the main door. I entered with excitement but was soon disappointed to find the living room empty.
Then, Dadi's cheerful voice called out, "Anira!!"
I rushed towards her, and she enveloped me in a warm embrace. "How are you, baccha?" she asked, but I remained silent.
Dadi gently pulled me out and guided me to her room. Once inside, she closed the door, ensuring we were alone.
"Dadi, what's going on? Where is everyone?" I asked.
She placed a gentle kiss on my forehead and cradled my face. "It's the perfect time to share something, baccha!"
AUTHOR'S POV:
As the phone rang, Eshanth patiently waited for the receiver to pick up. He took a sip of his coffee, standing at the balcony, when Neha's cheerful voice answered.
"Couldn't you have called me back?" Eshanth complained.
"I thought you were busy, bhai," Neha replied.
"Texting doesn't even take a minute. You could have informed me you reached safely! It's already been three days, and you didn't even call me once," Eshanth said, his concern evident.
"Oh, come on, bhai! Aryaan was with me; he would have told you every single detail!" Neha defended.
"Yeah! Only because of him am I relaxed," Eshanth admitted.
"I know, right?" Neha commented.
There was a sudden pause.
"Bhaii!!! What about Ani?!" Neha asked excitedly.
"Everything's on track, Nehu," Eshanth replied, taking another sip of his coffee.
Neha's tone turned serious. "You're sure, bhai? No complications?"
"None, Nehu. I've got everything under control," Eshanth assured.
"Okay, bhai. Keep me posted," Neha said.
"Will do. Take care, and give Aryaan my love."
"You too, bhai. Bye."
Eshanth hung up, lost in thought as he gazed out at the city.
-------------------------------------------------------
"Anira, how's everything going on there?" Dadi asked gently.
Anira tried to hide her emotions, "Fine... everything's fine, Dadi."
Dadi looked at her with doubt-filled eyes. "You can't lie to me, say it out. I know nothing's fine."
Dadi's voice broke Anira's composure, and she burst into tears.
Dadi enveloped Anira in a warm embrace, gently patting her back. "Calm down, baccha."
Anira pulled out of Dadi's embrace, her teary eyes locked on hers.
"Dadi..." Anira's voice cracked.
"You can share everything with me, right?" Dadi encouraged.
Anira poured out her heart, sharing the terrifying memories with Devansh. She recounted the horrific events of their first night and the Thakurs' behavior towards her.
Dadi's eyes widened, her heart heavy with guilt and concern.
"Oh, Anira... my poor child," Dadi whispered, tears streaming down her face.
Anira's words spilled out like a torrent, unburdening her soul.
Dadi listened intently, her expression a mix of shock, sadness, and determination.
"We'll get through this together, baccha," Dadi vowed.
As Anira shook her head unconsciously, Dadi's expression turned grave with concern and care. She gently palmed Anira's face, drawing her attention.
"Listen to me, baccha! It's crucial," Dadi urged, her voice laced with desperation.
Anira's heartbeat quickened. "What... What is it, Dadi?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Dadi's eyes locked onto Anira's, filled with a mix of sadness and urgency. "Something you need to know, child."
Anira's curiosity turned to alarm as Dadi's words spilled out.
"Ani baccha, just run away! Save yourself from everyone!" Dadi's voice cracked.
Anira's eyes widened in shock, her mind racing. "How can I do that, Dadi? Don't worry, I'll handle it. Just two more days, and everything will be okay. Dad will finalize his deal."
Dadi's chuckle sent shivers down Anira's spine.
"You're so innocent, beta," Dadi said, her tone tinged with sorrow.
Anira's tension escalated, her thoughts swirling. "Nothing will be the same?" she whispered, her voice laced with fear.
Dadi's words struck like a hammer. "They'll throw you out of their house."
Anira's voice rose in disbelief. "Dadi!!!"
"They can't," Anira protested, her voice barely above a whisper, uncertainty creeping in.
Dadi's response was firm and heartbreaking. "They will."
Anira's eyes searched Dadi's face for answers, her world crumbling.
"You're not their family, child," Dadi said gently. "You're just a source of income."
Anira's face contorted in anguish, her eyes welling up with tears.
"No... That can't be true," Anira whispered, her voice shattered.
Dadi's hands cradled Anira's face, offering comfort.
"I'm sorry, baccha. But you need to know the truth."
Anira's tears spilled, her heart shattered.
Anira's eyes widened in shock as Dadi pulled out a worn family album, pointing to a woman with a gentle smile.
"Your mother, Kalyani," Dadi said, her voice trembling. "My only daughter, the charm of this house."
Anira's heart swirled with unanswered questions.
Dadi's expression shifted from emotional to resolute.
"You must leave this house, Anira! They killed her; they'll destroy you too. Secrets are unknown, but I know they'll harm you. Run for your family's peace, your safety, your dignity! You're blessed with intelligence, beta. Start anew, become independent."
Dadi's urgent words accelerated Anira's heartbeat.
"Is... Is it true... That you aren't my Dadi but my Nani?" Anira stammered.
Dadi nodded, her eyes welling up.
"Where... Where are my parents?" Anira shouted, desperation creeping in.
"No one knows," Dadi replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Why did they leave me?" Anira pleaded.
"For your safety, baccha. They couldn't risk your life. They trusted me to protect you, but I failed. Spare me, child."
Anira's teary eyes locked onto Dadi's.
Dadi handed her a packet.
"Ten thousand rupees, secretly gathered. Some papers are inside. Promise me you won't read them now. When you're settled and ready for the truth, open it, beta."
Anira's world blurred, Dadi's urgent whisper echoing:
"Run Away, Anira! Do it for your parents!"
As Anira's vision faded, Dadi's determined face was etched in her mind.
FADE TO BLACK.
To Be Continued...