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Aaravika
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The moment my aunt announced that I was supposed to show Vayran the guest room, I felt my stomach drop. I chanced a glance at him, and sure enough, he wore that insufferable smirk, eyes gleaming as though he knew exactly how uncomfortable I was. My hands itched to slap that smirk off his face, but I quickly suppressed the thought. I didn’t need to give him any more satisfaction.

What if this really was my last day on Earth? With him, I wouldn’t put it past him to bury me alive somewhere. Shaking away the dark thought, I glanced at my mom for support. But when I saw the helpless look on her face, my stomach dropped. Even she seemed to think I might not make it out alive. No, no, stop this, you’re stronger than this, I told myself, clutching tightly to my faith in RadhaKrishna as I started up the stairs.

As I walked, I could feel his presence behind me, close enough that the air seemed heavier. I quickened my pace, hoping to keep some distance, but he was like a shadow—tall, silent, and unrelenting. One step from him covered what took me three, and he was closing the gap without effort.

By the time I reached the guest room, I mumbled a quick, “Thank you, God,” under my breath, planning to leave the room as soon as I opened the door. But before I could even turn around, his hand wrapped around my wrist, pulling me back with a force that left me breathless.

“H-hey, what are you doing?” I managed to stammer, my voice sounding far smaller than I’d have liked.

His gaze softened for the tiniest fraction of a second, just long enough to make me wonder if I’d imagined it. It couldn’t be real; there was no way this heartless creature had a softer side. I remembered how he hadn’t even bothered to apologize when he’d broken my headphones yesterday.

“Oh, toh aapko bolna bhi aata hai?” he said, his voice a low murmur with a mocking edge. “Kal toh sher ki tarah daanv pe daanv laga rahi thi, aur aaj billi ban gayi ho?” (Oh, so you actually know how to talk? Yesterday you were ready to fight like a lion, and today you’re a scared little cat?)

I felt my face heat up, caught between anger and fear. But before I could respond, he leaned closer, so close his voice brushed my ear. “You’re doing everything you can to avoid this marriage. Why don’t you make it simple and just say no?” His tone was almost bored, as if we were discussing the most trivial matter. “This marriage is just a business contract, and you know it. If you walk away now, maybe you’ll even survive. But if you say yes…” he smirked, “don’t think there’s a single escape, no matter how much you beg or cry.”

His voice, a low, husky threat, sent an icy shiver down my spine, raising goosebumps I couldn’t hide. He noticed, of course, his smirk growing deeper with satisfaction.

The moment his grip loosened, I wrenched my wrist free and bolted, not caring to hear whatever else he had to say. I ran back down the stairs, feeling like my life depended on every step, heart racing faster than my feet. No, you can’t back out, I told myself, but you can’t give him the satisfaction of seeing you scared either.

Halfway down the stairs, my ankle twisted, and I nearly cried out in pain. Gritting my teeth, I ignored the sharp throb, trying to keep my pace steady as I walked quickly, glancing over my shoulder. He wasn’t following me. Good.

Finally, I reached the bottom of the stairs. My aunt’s voice came immediately, cutting through the remnants of panic still swirling inside me. “Beta, why did you leave him up there alone?”

Vayran’s grandfather laughed, waving a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry, it’s not like he’d get lost.”

My mom and Shruti were just coming out of the kitchen with serving dishes in hand, and Shruti flashed me a curious look. “Lunch is ready,” Mom announced, the simple words grounding me. I let out a shaky breath, grateful for the excuse to keep myself distracted.

As everyone settled around the dining table, the maid served food on our plates, and I took a deep breath, trying to keep my anxiety in check. I had hoped for a peaceful meal, just to escape the heavy atmosphere that seemed to weigh on me. But the moment my mom called out, “Son, come join us,” my eyes automatically went to the spot where Vayran was walking toward the table.

Our gazes met, and I immediately felt my throat tighten. I choked on a piece of rice, coughing uncontrollably, my face burning from embarrassment. Parth noticed and started rubbing my back. "Are you alright?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Before I could even respond, someone passed me a glass of water. I gratefully accepted it, trying to gulp it down, but in my haste, I ended up choking on air. God, what is wrong with me today? I thought, trying to hold it together.

“Are you okay now?” That cold voice again. Vayran. His hand was still on my back, but this time, I felt the chill run straight through me. I shivered involuntarily as his fingers lightly pressed against my skin. His voice was so detached, so indifferent, and yet it made my cheeks heat up from the simple proximity of him. I looked away quickly, trying to pretend I wasn’t rattled.

With as much composure as I could muster, I turned to my plate, picking up my spoon and pushing the food around, trying to focus on eating. But of course, Vayran decided to sit right next to me. There was an empty seat beside me, and as much as I wanted to yell at my best friend for not sitting there, I kept quiet, hoping I could disappear into the food.

The silence between us was suffocating. Then I heard his voice, low, deliberately casual. “Good thing you’re okay now. Wouldn’t want you to choke on your own stupidity. Who knows what else could go wrong if you agree to this marriage?” His words were laced with something dark, something that made my pulse race in a way I didn’t want to admit.

I leaned closer to him, voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, I’m sure you’ll make it extra interesting. After all, who wouldn’t want a front-row seat to their own downfall?”

He chuckled, that damn smirk still plastered across his face. “Careful, sweetheart. You might just get what you’re asking for.”

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