I’ll be honest with you all—lately, I’ve been feeling really listless and demotivated. I don’t feel like writing anymore, and I feel like I need to take a little break. But I know you’re waiting for updates, and I can’t just leave the story hanging in the middle. Thank you for understanding.

Chapter 32-

Author's POV-

The next day, Lakshya, Yuvika, and Manorama went to the wedding.

The venue was bustling with relatives. Everyone was dressed in their finest. The air was filled with the sound of laughter, music, and the fragrance of flowers.

When Lakshya and Yuvika entered together, all eyes turned towards them.

"Kitne pyaare lag rahe ho dono!"

["You two look so lovely together!"]

One relative exclaimed.

"Kitne dino baad dekha!"

["After so many days!"]

Another said.

"Shaadi ke baad aaj pehli baar darshan hua! Kitne vyast rehte ho tum dono!"

["This is the first time we've seen you since your wedding! You two stay so busy!"]

Some of the ladies even complimented Yuvika—

"Tum toh aur sundar ho gayi ho!"

["You've become even more beautiful!"]

"Lagta hai Lakshya ka pyaar ka asar hai!"

["Looks like it's the effect of Lakshya's love!"]

Yuvika blushed.

Sushma came and greeted them warmly. She showed them their room. But before leaving, she said—

"Yuvika beta—jaldi haath munh dho ke rasoi mein aa jana. Humara haath bata dena thoda."

["Yuvika dear—wash up quickly and come to the kitchen. Give us a hand."]

Yuvika obediently nodded. "Ji."

Lakshya stood up. "Bua ji—hum itne door se aaye hain. Yuvika abhi kaise kaam karegi? Usse bhi toh aaram ki zarurat hai."

["Aunt—we've come from so far. How will Yuvika work right now? She also needs rest."]

Yuvika immediately said— "Koi baat nahi. Main kar lungi."

["It's okay. I'll manage."]

She turned to Sushma. "Bua ji—aap nishchint rahiye. Main 5 minute mein niche aa jaungi."

["Aunt—don't worry. I'll be downstairs in 5 minutes."]

Sushma smiled and went. Yuvika closed the door.

She could feel Lakshya's gaze on her back.

"Maine mana kar diya tha na? Tumhe beech mein bolne ki kya zarurat thi?"

["I had refused for you, didn't I? Why did you need to interrupt?"]

Yuvika tried to make him understand— "Haan, par shaadi mein agar hum hi madad na karein—toh kon karega? Waise bhi Bua ji akele kitna kuch sambhalengi?"

["Yes, but if we don't help in a wedding—then who will? Anyway, how much can Bua ji manage alone?"]

"Haan, toh baakiyon se kaam karwa lete. Tumse hi kyu? Kaam hi karwana tha toh bulaya kyu?"

["Yes, then they could have made others work. Why you? If they just wanted work done, why call us?"]

Yuvika couldn't help but smile at his argument.

"Lakshya ji—sab yahan kaam hi kar rahe hain. Aise mein agar main baithi rahu toh acha thodi dikhta hai? Aur waise bhi—aapki behen ki hi shaadi hai. Sab ek saath mil ke kaam karenge toh shaadi bhi sahi se ho jayegi."

["Lakshya ji—everyone is working here. If I sit idle—it won't look good. And anyway—it's your sister's wedding. If everyone works together—the wedding will go well."]

Lakshya knew she was right. So he said nothing. But he pulled her by her waist. Her chest collided with his.

He gently tucked a strand of her hair.

"Lekin—meri pyaari biwi se zyada kaam mat karwana. Theek hai?"

["But—don't let my dear wife work too much. Okay?"]

Yuvika blushed and nodded.

He pecked her nose. "Jao—tum fresh ho lo."

["Go—freshen up."]

Yuvika went to the washroom to freshen up. Once it was done, she went to the kitchen.

Sushma said— "Arey—tum aa gayi! Ek kaam karo sabzi kaat do."

["Oh—you've come! Do one thing—chop the vegetables."]

She started chopping the vegetables. Once it was done, Manorama said—

"Bahu tum sabzi bana dogi kya?"

["Daughter-in-law—will you cook the sabzi?"]

Yuvika nodded. "Ji, Maa ji."

["Yes, Maa ji."]

She kept the kadhai on the flame.

Meanwhile, Manorama complimented her— "Meri chhoti bahu bohut acha khana banati hai. Dekhna sabko bohut pasand aayega."

["My younger daughter-in-law cooks very well. You'll see—everyone will love it."]

Yuvika smiled. This was the first time Manorama had complimented her—that too in front of everyone.

Once the cooking was done, Sushma came and said—

"Yeh saree uss kamre mein rakh do. Aur yeh phool bagiche mein rakh do."

["Put this saree in that room. And put these flowers in the garden."]

She did as she was told.

Meanwhile, Lakshya's cousin came to him and said— "Bhaiya bazaar jana hoga. Mithai lani hai."

["Brother—we need to go to the market. We have to get sweets."]

They went to the market. Inside, Yuvika kept on helping others.

It was evening when Sushma came.

"Yuvika—zara suno."

["Yuvika—listen for a moment."]

"Ji, Bua ji?"

["Yes, Bua ji?"]

"Yeh tum rakh logi?"

["Will you keep this?"]

She gave her a gold chain.

"Yeh damaad ji kal jab aayenge baaraat le kar—tab hum unhe denge. Humare kamre mein pehle se hi log hain isliye hum yeh waha rakhna nahi chahte. Tumhare kamre mein toh sirf tum dono ho isliye yeh surakshit rahegi. Kya tum yeh rakh logi?"

["This is for the groom when he comes with the wedding procession tomorrow—we'll give it to him then. Our room already has people—so we don't want to keep it there. Your room only has the two of you—so it will be safe there. Will you keep it?"]

Yuvika didn't think twice.

"Haan, Bua ji. Laiye—dijiye."

["Yes, Bua ji. Give it to me."]

She kept it in her bag.

Time passed. It was night.

By night, Yuvika was hell tired.

Lakshya looked at her fatigued form.

He kissed her cheek. Then his eyes fell on her hands.

"Tumne mehendi nahi lagai?"

["You didn't apply mehendi?"]

She looked at her hands. They were bare. No design. No color. Just her skin.

"Nahi—main kaam kar rahi thi. Samay nahi mila."

["No—I was working. Didn't get time."]

He held her hands. He looked at them. His thumb traced her knuckles. His eyes softened.

"Kaha tha maine itna kaam karne ki zarurat nahi."

["I told you—there was no need to work so much."]

"Lakshya ji—aap nahi samjhoge. Ghar ki bahu hoon. Main na nahi kar sakti."

["Lakshya ji—you won't understand. I'm a daughter-in-law. I can't say no."]

His expression shifted.

"Isliye main naa kar raha tha na?"

["That's why I was saying no, wasn't I?"]

She replied, a bit frustratedly— "Aise nahi hota hai. Khair chhodiye. Aapko samajh mein nahi aayega. Sone jaiye—raat ho rahi hai bohut. Kal subah jaldi bhi uthna hai."

["It doesn't work like that. Leave it—you won't understand. Go to sleep—it's getting late. We have to wake up early tomorrow."]

Lakshya didn't argue much.

They went to bed. They fell asleep within minutes.

---

Next morning, when they woke up, there was a different vibe in the air. Today was the day of the wedding.

Everyone was busy. Just then—Radha, the bride's elder sister, arrived. She came to Yuvika and said—

"Bhabhi—wo kal jo Maa ne aapko chain di thi na—damaad ji ke liye? Wo aap mujhe de dijiye. Main rakh leti hoon."

["Sister-in-law—the chain that Maa gave you yesterday—for the groom? Please give it to me. I'll keep it."]

Yuvika frowned a bit. Something in her said not to do so. But how could she question the bride's elder sister?

She gave it to her.

They all got busy.

---

After a few hours, Radha got a call from her in-laws. A family emergency had happened and she had to leave. So she decided to give the chain back to Yuvika. But she couldn't find her. So she decided to just keep it in her bag and tell someone to inform Yuvika.

She kept the chain in Yuvika's bag. She informed one of the bride's cousins—

"Maine Yuvika bhabhi ke bag mein chain rakh diya hai. Tu unhe bata dena."

["I've kept the chain in Yuvika bhabhi's bag. Tell her."]

But he was too busy. He didn't even listen clearly.

"Haan haan—theek hai. Bata dunga."

["Yes yes—okay. I'll tell her."]

But he didn't.

---

Now evening came.

Lakshya was still outside, making sure everything was alright. The baraat would soon come in few hours.

Yuvika got ready. But she felt like going to the washroom, so she went inside.

Meanwhile—a male relative, young, almost Lakshya's age, got confused and entered Yuvika's room. He closed the door. He came there to change.

He opened his shirt to wear the kurta.

Just then—the door of the washroom opened. Yuvika came out. Her pallu was loosely attached. Generous cleavage could be seen.

She had no idea that someone was in the room.

But just as she entered—she saw the man. Topless.

The man saw her too.

Both of their expressions shifted.

The man didn't say anything. He quickly opened the door and ran.

Just then—Sushma was coming to Yuvika's room. She saw it. The topless man running. Yuvika's cleavage.

She gave an expression of disapproval.

Yuvika jumped to explain—

"Bua ji—aise kuch bhi nahi hai. Mujhe nahi pata wo aadmi kahan se mere kamre mein ghus gaya tha."

["Bua ji—it's nothing like that. I don't know how that man got into my room."]

But Sushma shook her head. A bit rudely, she asked—

"Yuvika—wo chain de do. Baraat kuch hi samay mein aate honge. Sab taiyyar rakhna hoga."

["Yuvika—give me that chain. The groom will be here any moment. Everything needs to be ready."]

Yuvika then said— "Bua ji—chain toh mere paas nahi hai. Maine Radha Didi ko diya tha."

["Bua ji—the chain isn't with me. I gave it to Radha Didi."]

Sushma frowned. "Lekin Radha toh yahan nahi hai."

["But Radha isn't here."]

Just then—one of the relatives came in between and said— "Radha Didi ne toh Yuvika bhabhi ko chain wapas de diya tha."

["Radha Didi gave the chain back to Yuvika bhabhi."]

Yuvika shook her head. "Nahi—mujhe toh unhone nahi diya."

["No—she didn't give it to me."]

Just then—Sushma got extremely angry. She screamed—

"Jhoot bolti hai? Meri hi beti ke baare mein jhoot bolegi? Haan?"

["You're lying? You'll lie about my own daughter? Huh?"]

Relatives came running to them.

Yuvika's heart was pounding. Her hands were trembling.

"Bua ji—main sach keh rahi hoon. Maine nahi rakha wo chain. Mujhe—"

["Bua ji—I'm telling the truth. I didn't keep that chain. I—"]

Sushma didn't let her complete. She screamed—

"Yeh kaisi chor bahu layi hai Manorama apne ghar? Chori bhi karegi aur chinrai bhi karegi."

["What kind of thief daughter-in-law has Manorama brought into her home? She'll steal and she'll whore around too."]

Yuvika's world stopped.

Thief? I am a thief? Whore? Me?

Her inner voice screamed. Her heart shattered. She had never felt so humiliated in her entire life.

I am not a thief. I am not a whore. I only came here to help. I only tried to be a good daughter-in-law.

Tears streamed down her face.

"Bua ji—nahi... main chor nahi hoon... maine kuch nahi kiya..."

["Bua ji—no... I'm not a thief... I didn't do anything..."]

But nobody was listening. The relatives were whispering. Judging. Staring.

Why won't anyone listen to me? Why won't anyone believe me?

Sushma continued—

"Ek adh nange mard ko iske kamre se nikalte huye dekha tha maine. Aur iski halat toh pucho hi mat. Pallu toh niche aise latak raha tha—ki mujhe to dekh ke sharam aa gayi"

["I saw a half-naked man coming out of her room. And don't even ask about her condition. Her pallu was hanging so low—don't even ask."]

Yuvika shook her head frantically. Tears were pouring down her cheeks.

"Nahi Bua ji—yeh jhooth hai! Main toh unhe jaanti tak nahi! Main toh bathroom mein gayi hui thi! Mujhe toh pata bhi nahi tha ki yeh andar aaye hain!"

["No Bua ji—this is a lie! I don't even know him! I was in the washroom! I didn't even know he had come inside!"]

She looked at the relatives. Her eyes were pleading.

"Aap log meri baat suniye! Main sach keh rahi hoon! Maine kuch nahi kiya!"

["Please listen to me! I'm telling the truth! I didn't do anything!"]

But nobody listened. Nobody believed her.

"Maine chain nahi churai! Maine kisi ke saath kuch galat nahi kiya! Please—meri baat suniye!"

["I didn't steal the chain! I didn't do anything wrong with anyone! Please—listen to me!"]

Her voice cracked. Her body was shaking. She felt so small. So helpless. So alone.

Sushma showed her hand—

"Bus kar. Bohut sun li teri nautanki. Tere paas chain nahi hai? Abhi tere kamre ki talashi lete hain. Pata chal jayega."

["Enough. I've heard enough of your drama. The chain isn't with you? Let's search your room right now. We'll find out."]

Sushma went into her room. She started searching.

Yuvika stood outside. Her body was trembling. Her heart was pounding.

Nothing will be found. I didn't steal anything. God knows I'm telling the truth.

Then—Sushma reached for her bag. Opened the compartments.

And she found the chain.

She raised the chain up so that everyone could see.

"Yeh dekho! Aapke saamne iske bag mein se chain mili! Dekh lijiye—kitni jhooti aurat hai yeh!"

["Look! The chain was found in her bag in front of everyone! See—how much of a liar this woman is!"]

Yuvika's world stopped.

No... no... how... I didn't keep the chain... I gave it to Radha Didi...

"Lakshya ne toh apne pair pe khulhadi maar di—aise ladki se byah kar ke."

["Lakshya has hit his own foot with an axe—by marrying such a girl."]

No... Lakshya ji... I didn't do anything wrong with you...

"Isliye kehte hain—gareeb ladki ko ghar nahi lana chahiye."

["That's why they say—don't bring a poor girl into the house."]

Poor... I am poor... so I am a thief?

"Kabhi dekha hai isne yeh sab? Mujhe toh pehle hi shaq tha—lekin phir bhi mujhe laga apne hi ghar ki bahu hai—yahan thodi chori karegi. Lekin main toh galat thi."

["Has she ever seen all this? I had doubts from the beginning—but I thought she's our own daughter-in-law—she won't steal here. But I was wrong."]

"Mere ghar mein aaye huye ek din bhi theek se nahi hua tujhe—lekin tune toh chori aur aiyashi dono shuru kar diya."

["You haven't been here even a day properly—and you've started both stealing and flirting."]

Yuvika was crying. Her body was shaking. She couldn't speak. She couldn't breathe.

Lakshya ji... where are you? You know I'm not like that... you know me... will you believe me?

"BUA!"

Lakshya's voice echoed through the room.

The crowd heard the voice, they turned around.

Their eyes widened.

Lakshya was standing there. His eyes were burning. His jaw was clenched. His fists were trembling. His entire body radiated fury—a fury that made the air around him heavy.

He didn't care about the crowd. He didn't care about the relatives. He didn't care about anyone.

He reached Yuvika. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

Yuvika instantly hugged him. She buried her face in his chest. She was crying. Her body was shaking. She was desperately trying to escape from the world—from the accusations, from the humiliation, from the pain.

He wrapped his arms around her. He held her tight. He didn't say a word to her. He just held her.

Then—he spoke.

His voice was low. Dangerous. Controlled—but barely.

"Aapki himmat bhi kaisi hui mere patni ke baare mein aise bolne ki?"

["How dare you—say such things about my wife?"]

He looked at Sushma. His eyes were burning into hers.

"Aapko kya lagta hai—aap use kuch bhi bole jaoge—aur hum chup chaap sunte rahenge?"

["What do you think—you'll say anything to her—and we'll keep listening quietly?"]

He stepped forward. His voice rose.

"Aap soch bhi kaise sakti hain—ki meri patni chain churayegi—jabki uski ek angoothi aapke damaad ke chain se teen guna zyada bhaari hai?"

["How can you even think—that my wife will steal a chain—when one ring of hers is three times heavier than your son-in-law's chain?"]

He paused. His nostrils flared.

"Main kisi ko neecha nahi dikhana chahta. Lekin aap log isi layak hain."

["I don't want to show anyone down. But you people deserve it."]

He pointed at the crowd.

"Meri patni ko chor keh rahe the aap? Ek baar bhi sach jaanne ki koshish nahi kiya?"

["You were calling my wife a thief? Didn't even try once to find out the truth?"]

He turned to Sushma. His voice was a roar.

"Apni beti ko phone lagaiye! Aur puchiye—ki usne chain kahan rakhi thi!"

["Call your daughter! And ask her—where she kept the chain!"]

Sushma was standing still. Frozen. Her face was pale.

"LAGAIYE PHONE!"

["CALL THE PHONE!"]

She trembled. She picked up the phone. She called Radha.

Radha narrated the whole incident—how she kept the chain in Yuvika's bag, and how she told one of the cousins to inform Yuvika.

Lakshya listened. Then he yelled—

"Ab puchiye usse—ki usne Yuvika ko iss baare mein bataya tha kya? PUCHIYE!"

["Now ask him—did he inform Yuvika about this? ASK!"]

He yelled. Sushma flinched.

The cousin was brought forward. He was trembling.

"Main... main bhool gaya tha batana..."

["I... I forgot to tell her..."]

Sushma's expression shifted. Guilt. Shame. Horror.

"Mujhe maaf kar do... main..."

["Forgive me... I..."]

Before she could finish—Lakshya showed her his palm. A gesture to stop.

"Aur yahin kaafi nahi tha."

["And this wasn't enough."]

His voice was deadly calm now.

"Aapne meri biwi ko sabke saamne badnaam kiya. Uske charitra pe sawal uthaya."

["You defamed my wife in front of everyone. You questioned her character."]

He stepped closer.

"Kya aapne dekha tha isse uss aadmi ke saath kuch karte huye?"

["Did you see—her doing anything with that man?"]

Sushma was mute.

"Kya aapne dekha tha?"

["Did you see?"]

"Nahi... nahi, maine nahi dekha tha."

["No... no, I didn't see."]

His jaw clenched. His nostrils flared.

"To aapne kya dekha tha?"

["Then what did you see?"]

"Maine dekha tha—wo aadmi bina shirt ke bahu ke kamre se nikal raha tha."

["I saw—that man without a shirt, coming out of her room."]

He smiled. Bitterly. But that smile showed he was controlling his anger.

"Aur aapne samajh liya—ki meri biwi ne uske saath kuch kiya hai. Nahi?"

["And you assumed—that my wife did something with him. Didn't you?"]

She looked down. Shamefully.

Lakshya then said—

"Aur rahi baat meri patni ki charitra ki—toh uspe mujhe pura bharosa hai. Khud se bhi zyada."

["And as for my wife's character—I trust her completely. More than myself."]

He paused.

"Aisa karna toh door ki baat—wo aise soch bhi nahi sakti. Lekin aapke mote dimaag mein yeh sab nahi ghusega."

["Forget doing it—she can't even think of it. But this won't enter your thick head."]

He looked at Sushma. His voice was cold. Cutting.

"Kaam nikalwana ho toh sabse pehle Yuvika ki yaad aati thi aap logon ko."

["When you needed work done—Yuvika was the first person you remembered."]

He held Yuvika's hand. He continued.

"Meri patni ke haathon mein mehendi tak nahi lagi—kyunki wo itna vyast thi aapki beti ki shaadi mein. Usne apna sab kuch de diya—taki shaadi mein koi kami na rahe."

["My wife didn't even get mehendi on her hands—because she was so busy in your daughter's wedding. She gave everything—so that there would be no shortcoming in the wedding."]

He paused. His voice cracked with anger.

"Aur aapne usko badle mein kya diya? Badnami? Aapne use chor kaha. Uske charitra pe daag lagaya."

["And what did you give her in return? Defamation? You called her a thief. You stained her character."]

He stepped closer to Sushma. His eyes were burning.

"Sahi kaha aapne—garib ladki ko byah kar ghar nahi lana chahiye. Kyunki aap jaise wahiyat log—garib ladki ki badnami karte hain. Uska jeena haram karte hain."

["You said it right—don't bring a poor girl into the house. Because terrible people like you—defame a poor girl. Make her life hell."]

He paused. His voice dropped.

"Lekin ab main hone nahi dunga. Ab main ek shabd nahi sununga iske khilaf."

["But now I won't let it happen. Now I won't hear a single word against her."]

He smirked.

"Main chahu toh abhi aapki beti ki shaadi tudwa sakta hoon. Aapne jaise meri patni ki badnami ki thi—main bhi kar sakta hoon."

["If I want, I can get your daughter's wedding called off right now. Just like you defamed my wife—I can do the same."]

He leaned down towards Sushma. He spoke in a hushed tone—in a way that only Sushma and Yuvika could hear.

"Kyuki koi ladka bhala aisi ladki se kyu shaadi kare—jiska ashiq koi aur ho—aur dulha koi aur? Kyu?"

["Because why would any boy marry a girl—whose lover is someone else—and groom is someone else? Why?"]

Sushma's eyes widened. Her face went pale. Her hands trembled.

"Nahi... meri beti ki shaadi kharab mat karo!"

["No... don't ruin my daughter's wedding!"]

She joined her hands.

Lakshya looked at her. His voice was ice.

"Aap galat insaan se maafi maang kar rahe hain. Yuvika se maafi maangiye."

["You're asking forgiveness from the wrong person. Ask Yuvika for forgiveness."]

He spat.

Yuvika squeezed his hand.

"Uski koi zarurat nahi hai, Lakshya ji. Jaane dijiye."

["There's no need for that, Lakshya ji. Let it go."]

But he didn't budge.

Sushma knew there was no other option. She joined her hands. She was about to beg Yuvika—

But Yuvika instantly held her hands.

"Nahi, Bua ji. Iski koi zarurat nahi hai."

["No, Bua. There's no need for this."]

Lakshya took her hand away. As if holding her would burn Yuvika.

He looked Sushma in her eyes.

"Ab pata chala—gareeb ladki kaisi hoti hai? Laakh badnami ke baad bhi saath nahi chhodti."

["Now you know—what a poor girl is like? Even after so much defamation—she doesn't leave your side."]

He paused. He reached for his own neck. He unclasped his gold chain. It was thick. Heavy. Expensive. Worth more than Sushma's entire jewellery collection.

He held it out to her.

"Chain ke wajah se meri biwi ko badnaam kiya tha na? Yeh lijiye—rakhiye mera chain. Ab dena apne damaad ko moti chain."

["You defamed my wife because of a chain, didn't you? Here—take my chain. Now give your son-in-law a thick chain."]

Sushma's eyes widened. Her hands trembled. She couldn't speak. She couldn't move.

"Lijiye."

["Take it."]

She didn't move. He dropped it in her hands.

Then—his voice turned cold. Final.

"Hatiye—humare raaste se."

["Move—from our path."]

She didn't move.

"Hatiye!"

["Move!"]

She stumbled back. Tears streamed down her face. The chain in her hands felt like it was burning her skin.

Lakshya took Yuvika's hand. He guided her towards the car.

Before leaving, he turned around. His voice was ice.

"Main wahan nahi rukta—jahan meri patni ki bezzati ho. Ab aap khud se hatt jaiye—warna mujhe dhakka marna hoga aapko. Aur wo main nahi chahta—kyunki mujhe dusron ki izzat karni aati hai."

["I don't stay—where my wife is insulted. Now move aside yourself—or I'll have to push you. And I don't want that—because I know how to respect others."]

He made Yuvika sit in the car. He started the engine.

And he drove away.

The crowd stood there. Silent. Ashamed.

Sushma stood there. The chain in her hand. Tears in her eyes. The weight of her mistake crushing her.

---

The whole way—Yuvika was crying.

She was trembling. Her body was shaking. Her hands were cold. Her face was buried in her hands. She couldn't speak. She couldn't stop. The tears just kept coming.

Lakshya held her hand. He kept holding it. He kept squeezing it. His grip was firm—steady—a silent promise that he was there. That he wasn't going anywhere.

He was angry.

Extremely angry.

Angry at his relatives for insulting Yuvika. Angry at Sushma for accusing her. Angry at the cousin who forgot to inform her. Angry at the crowd who judged her without knowing the truth.

But most of all—angry at himself.

I wasn't there. I wasn't there when they stripped her down in front of everybody. I wasn't there when they called her a thief. I wasn't there when she was begging to be believed.

His knuckles were white on the steering wheel. His jaw was clenched so tight it could crack. His eyes were burning.

I should have been there. I should have protected her. I should have—

He stopped his thoughts. He couldn't go there. Not now. Not when she needed him.

He brought her hand to his lips. He pressed a kiss on her knuckles. He could feel the tremble of her hands. The coldness of her fingers. The fear that still lingered.

"Daro mat, baccha. Abhi koi nahi hai. Bus hum dono hai."

["Don't be scared, baby. There's no one now. Just the two of us."]

He kissed her hand again.

"Abhi hum apna ghar jaa rahe hai."

["We're going to our home now."]

He didn't go to the haveli.

He didn't go to his brother's house.

He didn't go anywhere else.

He drove straight to the city—to their home.

Their own home.

Where no one could hurt her. Where no one could judge her. Where no one could accuse her.

Where it was just the two of them.

The car sped through the night. The city lights blurred past them. Yuvika's sobs slowly quieted. Her trembling slowly stopped. But her hand never left his.

He kept driving. He kept holding her hand.

Main tumhe kabhi kisi ke saamne aise nachne nahi dunga, Yuvika. Kabhi nahi.

["I will never let you be humiliated in front of anyone like that, Yuvika. Never."]

Ab hum apne ghar jaa rahe hai. Jahan sirf hum dono hai. Jahan koi tumhe dard nahi de sakta.

["We're going to our home now. Where it's just the two of us. Where no one can hurt you."]

He pressed another kiss on her hand.

"Just a little more, Jaan. We're about to reach home."

She nodded. A small, broken nod. But she nodded.

And he drove.

Into the night.

———————-

They went inside their house.

The familiar smell. The familiar warmth. The familiar silence. It felt like home. It felt safe.

Lakshya guided her to their bedroom. He made her sit on the bed. Her body was still trembling slightly. Her eyes were still red. Her face was still stained with tears.

Yuvika instantly held his hand.

"Lakshya ji—dhanyavaad."

["Lakshya ji—thank you."]

Her eyes were glistening. He quickly wiped them.

His eyes softened.

"Tumhe dhanyavaad kehne ki zarurat nahi hai."

["You don't need to thank me."]

He paused. His voice dropped.

"In fact—mujhe tumse maafi mangni chahiye. Mere parivaar walon ke wajah se aaj tumhe yeh sab sehna pada."

["In fact—I should be apologizing to you. Because of my family, you had to go through all this today."]

He looked at her. Guilt was written all over his face.

"Agar mujhe pata hota—ki Bua tumhare saath aisa vyavhar karegi—toh main kabhi tumhe wahan le kar nahi jaata."

["If I had known—that Bua would treat you like this—I would never have taken you there."]

Yuvika shook her head.

"Aapki koi galti nahi hai isme. Mujhe pata hai aap humesha mujhe in sab se door rakhna chahte hain."

["It's not your fault. I know—you always want to keep me away from all this."]

She paused. There was silence between them. Then—she broke it.

"Maine sach mein uss aadmi ke saath kuch nahi kiya tha. Wo..."

["I really didn't do anything with that man. He..."]

"Shh."

He stopped her.

"Mujhe pata hai. Tumhe kuch bolne ki zarurat nahi hai. Main jaanta hoon tum kaisi ho."

["I know. You don't need to say anything. I know who you are."]

He leaned in. He touched his forehead with hers. Their breaths mingled. Their eyes closed.

He pecked her lips. Soft. Gentle.

Then—he held her face with both of his hands. He kissed her. Deep. Slow. Reassuring.

He broke the kiss. He looked at her.

"Tum yahin aaram karo. Main khana le kar aata hoon. Tumne kuch khaya nahi hoga na?"

["You rest here. I'll bring some food. You must not have eaten anything, right?"]

He squeezed both of her cheeks.

She smiled. A real smile. For the first time that day.

Feeling relieved. Feeling safe. Feeling loved.

He trusts me. He didn't even ask me to explain. He simply trusted me.

---

Lakshya went to a nearby restaurant and bought food. He brought it to their home.

They sat together. They ate.

Yuvika took a bite.

"Yeh sabzi toh achi hai—kaafi."

["This sabzi is good—quite good."]

Lakshya nodded.

"Tabhi toh laya hoon. Mujhe pata tha—tumhe pasand aayegi."

["That's why I brought it. I knew—you'd like it."]

Yuvika then said—

"Lekin aapke haathon ki behtar hoti hai."

["But the one made by your hands is better."]

Lakshya smiled.

"Theek hai—agar mere Jaan ko mere haathon ki sabzi khani hai—toh bana denge."

["Okay—if my life wants to eat sabzi made by my hands—then I'll make it."]

Yuvika smiled. She looked at him. Her heart swelled.

He has changed. He has really changed.

He didn't ask me to explain. He didn't doubt me. He didn't get angry. He just... trusted me.

And he took my side. In front of everyone. He defended me. He protected me. He fought for me.

I should show him my gratitude.

I should show him—how much I love him. How much I appreciate him. How much I need him.

She looked at him. Her eyes were soft. Her lips curved into a small smile.

Tonight I will show you—how special you are to me.

Yuvika stepped into the dimly lit bedroom, her saree clinging to her curves, heart racing. Lakshya was already sprawled across the bed, shirtless, one arm tucked behind his head, watching her with that slow, hungry smile.

She closed the door softly and walked straight to him, climbing onto the mattress without a word.

Her hands went to the pallu of her saree, pulling it off her shoulder. Lakshya’s eyes darkened as she unhooked her blouse, letting it fall open to reveal her breasts.

She pushed the saree and petticoat down her hips, stripping until she was bare, then crawled over him.

Lakshya reached up, cupping her breasts, thumbs brushing her nipples. “Meri jaan, kitni sundar ho tum.” ["My love, you are so beautiful."]

Yuvika leaned down and kissed him, deep and wet, grinding her bare pussy against the hard line of his cock still trapped in his boxers. She tugged them down, freeing him, and wrapped her fingers around his thick length, stroking slowly.

Lakshya groaned. “Tumhari yeh haath… mujhe pagal kar dete hain.” ["These hands of yours… they drive me crazy."]

She positioned herself above him and sank down, taking every inch of his cock inside her in one smooth glide. They both moaned. Yuvika started riding him, rolling her hips, her breasts bouncing with every movement.

Lakshya lay back at first, letting her set the rhythm, his hands resting on her waist as he watched her take what she wanted.

"Meri pyari biwi, dekho tum kitni achhe se chud rahi ho," he groaned, his voice thick with admiration. "Tumhari yeh chut itni garam aur tight hai... bilkul mere lund ke liye bani hai."

Yuvika moaned louder, grinding down harder, her clit rubbing against his pelvis with every roll of her hips. Her walls clenched around him as pleasure built inside her. Lakshya's hands slid up to cup her breasts, thumbs circling her stiff nipples.

"Kitni sundar choochiyan hain tumhari," he praised, squeezing gently. "Main inhe chusna kabhi nahi chhodunga. Har raat inhe muh mein leke sounga."

Her movements grew more desperate as she chased her release, sweat glistening on her skin. Lakshya's cock throbbed inside her, but he held back, letting her use him. When her pussy started pulsing around him, signaling her approaching orgasm, something shifted in his eyes.

Without warning, he sat up and flipped her onto her back in one smooth motion. Yuvika gasped as he took control, pinning her wrists above her head with one hand while the other gripped her hip.

"Ab meri bari," he growled, driving into her with powerful thrusts that made the bed frame creak. "Tumne itni ache se shuru kiya, ab main tumhe pura raat chodunga."

He fucked her relentlessly, his cock slamming deep into her soaked pussy with each thrust. Yuvika cried out beneath him, her legs wrapping around his waist as he pounded into her. His mouth found her breasts, sucking and biting at her nipples while he maintained his brutal pace.

"Kitni achi biwi ho tum," he panted against her skin between thrusts. "Mere lund ko itni ache se le rahi ho... jaise tum sirf mere liye bani ho. Har inch andar le rahi ho aur aur mang rahi ho."

Hours passed in a blur of positions and orgasms. Lakshya took her on her back, then flipped her onto her stomach to fuck her from behind while gripping her hips. He pulled her into his lap and bounced her on his cock, then pressed her against the wall and drove into her standing up. Each time she came, he praised her through it.

"Bas aise hi, meri jaan... apni chut ko mere lund se chudne do. Kitni pyari lagti ho jab tumh jhadti ho."

By the time dawn approached, Yuvika was trembling and exhausted. Her voice was hoarse from screaming his name, her body covered in marks from his mouth and hands. Lakshya had her on her back again, her legs spread wide as he thrust into her with deep, deliberate strokes.

"Ek aur baar," he commanded softly, his thumb circling her swollen clit. "Mere liye ek aur baar chudo."

Yuvika's final orgasm hit her like a wave, her pussy clenching around him as her vision blurred. Lakshya buried himself to the hilt and came with a groan, flooding her womb with hot cum for what felt like the hundredth time that night.

When he pulled out gently, Yuvika's eyes had already fluttered closed. Her body went limp against the sheets, completely spent. Lakshya watched her for a moment, then carefully gathered her into his arms.

"Shhh, meri pyari biwi," he whispered, pressing soft kisses to her forehead. "Ab rest karo."

He reached for a clean towel and gently wiped between her legs, cleaning away the evidence of their marathon session with tender strokes. Her pussy was swollen and sensitive, but he was careful not to hurt her. Once she was clean, he pulled the blanket over both of them and settled her against his chest.

Yuvika stirred slightly in her sleep, nuzzling closer to his warmth. Lakshya stroked her hair and held her close, his arms protective around her exhausted form.

"Tum meri duniya ho," he murmured against her temple. "Har raat aise hi pyaar karte rahenge..."

They fell asleep tangled together, her head on his chest and his hand resting possessively on her hip, both completely satisfied and connected.

The next day, they had their breakfast.

Lakshya was ready to go for his work. He wore his shirt. He picked up his keys.

Yuvika watched him. Her hands were clasped together. Her brow was furrowed. She was tense.

"Aap hospital jaa rahe hain—yaa?"

["Are you going to the hospital—or?"]

She didn't complete it. She couldn't. The fear in her voice was evident.

Lakshya stopped. He turned around. He closed the distance between them.

He held her shoulders.

"Tum daro mat. Mujhe kuch nahi hoga. Main shaam tak ghar aa jaunga."

["Don't be scared. Nothing will happen to me. I'll be home by evening."]

He pressed a kiss against her forehead. Then he went.

Lakshya went to Bhairav's house.

Bhairav's health had deteriorated. He was in his wheelchair. His face was pale. His hands were trembling. But his eyes still held the same authority.

"Itne din kaha the tum?"

["Where were you all these days?"]

"Maine toh aapko bataya hi tha—ki main gaon jaa raha hoon. Wahan pe kuch gundon ne mujhe par attack kiya tha. Main usme buri tarah ghaayal ho gaya tha."

["I had told you—that I was going to the village. Some goons attacked me there. I was badly injured."]

Bhairav didn't believe him at first. Lakshya understood that.

"Aapko agar mujh par vishwas nahi hota—toh aap dekh lijiye."

["If you don't believe me—then look."]

He unbuttoned his shirt. He showed the wound marks. Deep scars. Still healing. Still raw.

Bhairav looked at them. Then he said—

"Theek hai—iski koi zarurat nahi hai."

["Okay—there's no need for this."]

He paused.

"Tumne unn gundon ka kya kiya?"

["What did you do to those goons?"]

Lakshya lied smoothly—

"Bhaiya ne unhe jail mein daal diya."

["Brother put them in jail."]

Bhairav nodded. He didn't question it. He knew Yudhveer was the sarpanch of his village. He was powerful.

There was silence. Then—suddenly—it broke.

Sameera's scream.

They rushed towards her room. She was in labour. Her face was contorted in pain. Her hands were gripping the bed.

Akshay helped her out of her room. They took her to the hospital.

The procedures began. Lakshya sat on the bench outside the OT. He was praying. For a safe delivery. For Sameera's safety.

He was always anxious about pregnancy and childbirth. Ever since his mother died giving birth to his sibling—he couldn't bear the thought of losing anyone the same way.

Bhairav was in his wheelchair beside him.

"Bhagwan se dua karo—ki beta hi ho."

["Pray to God—that it's a boy."]

Lakshya looked at him. His jaw clenched.

"Aapko abhi bhi bete ki pari hai? Ek baar bhi aapko apni beti nahi dikhti? Wo kis dard se guzar rahi hai—aapko dikhai nahi de raha?"

["You still care about having a boy? Not even once do you see your own daughter? Can't you see what pain she's going through?"]

Bhairav made a smug face.

"Abhi umar kam hai na—isliye samajh nahi aa raha hai tumhe. Baad mein tumhe bhi bete ka mahatva pata chalega."

["You're young—that's why you don't understand. Later you'll also realize the importance of a son."]

Lakshya said—

"Mujhe koi fark nahi padta ki baccha kya hai. Main bus chahta hoon—ki Sameera theek rahe."

["I don't care whether it's a boy or a girl. I just want Sameera to be safe."]

Bhairav didn't like his answer. He looked in a different direction.

Even if Lakshya had no feelings for Sameera—she was his friend. And he genuinely cared for her.

Hours Passed

And then a shrill cry broke out.

The doctors came out.

"Congratulations—it's a healthy baby boy."

Bhairav smirked at Lakshya. His smirk said—well done, Lakshya.

But Lakshya didn't care.

He stood up. He asked the doctor—

"Kya hum usse mil sakte hain?"

["Can we meet her?"]

"Abhi nahi. Abhi wo behosh hai. Jab hosh ayega—tab mil lena."

["Not now. She's unconscious. When she wakes up—you can meet her."]

A nurse came from behind—picking the baby. She looked at Lakshya.

"Aap bacche ke pita hain na? Yeh lijiye—aapka beta."

["You're the baby's father, right? Here—your son."]

She forwarded the baby to Lakshya.

But he lied.

"Nahi—mujhe nahi. Aap inhe dijiye."

["No—not me. Give it to him."]

He forwarded Akshay.

Akshay took the baby in his arms. His eyes widened. His hands trembled. The baby squirmed. Akshay held him closer. His eyes were wet.

Bhairav said—

"You refused to hold your own son?"

Lakshya lied fluently—

"I didn't refuse. Because of my injuries, I can't lift weight. My son is very delicate and small. I don't want to drop him. As a father—my first priority is his safety. That's why I called Akshay."

His lie was believable.

Akshay looked at him. His eyes expressed gratitude. Deep. Overwhelming. He couldn't speak. He just nodded.

Bhairav then asked—

"Lao—mera pota dikhao mujhe."

["Come—show me my grandson."]

Akshay bent down to Bhairav's level. He showed him the baby.

Bhairav's expression shifted. His eyes softened. His lips curved into a smile. A genuine smile.

He reached out. His trembling fingers touched the baby's cheek.

"Mera pota..."

["My grandson..."]

His voice cracked.

For the first time—Lakshya saw something human in Bhairav.

Maybe—maybe there is some humanity left in this man too.

---

Weeks passed by.

Lakshya watched Sameera. Every day. Every hour. He saw how difficult it was for her to even do a normal task. How hard the recovery was. She was exhausted. She was in pain. She was barely sleeping. She was so busy recovering and managing the newborn that she wasn't even able to give proper time to Sameekshya.

And that made Lakshya more insecure.

He thought about it. Every night. Every time he saw Sameera struggle.

If I ever reverse my vasectomy—Yuvika will have to go through this too. She will be in pain. She will be exhausted. She will be—

He couldn't complete the thought.

What if something happens to Yuvika? Like it happened to my mother?

His blood ran cold.

I can't lose her. I can't. I won't.

He was deep in thought. His mind was racing. His heart was pounding. His hands were trembling.

In frustration—he threw a glass vase. It hit the wall. It shattered into a thousand pieces.

The sound echoed through the room.

And the dozing baby woke up.

He started crying.

Lakshya looked at him. He sighed. He walked towards the crib. He looked down at the baby.

The baby was crying. His tiny face was scrunched up. His little fists were flailing. But despite the tears—he looked cute. So small. So fragile. So innocent.

Lakshya picked him up. He cradled him in his arms. He rocked him gently.

"Shh... nothing happened. Nothing happened, child. I'm here."

The baby kept crying.

"Look—look, I'm right here. It was just a sound. Nothing happened."

He rocked him. He patted his back. He hummed a soft tune.

Slowly—the baby quietened. His cries turned into soft whimpers. His tiny fingers wrapped around Lakshya's finger.

Lakshya's expression softened.

He looked at the baby. At his tiny nose. His tiny lips. His tiny hands.

He pressed a kiss against his forehead.

"You're very cute—you know that?"

The baby cooed.

Lakshya smiled. A genuine smile.

Just then—Sameera arrived.

She saw him with the baby. She smiled.

"You look good with babies. You're good with them too."

Lakshya didn't say anything.

"To apna baccha kab kar rahe ho? Yaa saari zindagi dusron ke bacchon ke saath hi khelna hai?"

["So when are you having your own child? Or are you going to spend your whole life playing with others' children?"]

She joked. The last part was teasing.

Lakshya immediately said—

"It's not like I don't like kids. I love them. But it's just that—I don't want kids of my own. And I don't think I'll ever want to be a father."

Sameera nodded. Then she asked—

"But what about Yuvika? What if she wants children?"

Lakshya sighed.

"She does want children. But I'll provide her with everything. She'll not need any child."

Sameera's expression shifted. She looked at him. Then she said—

"Lakshya—this isn't a competition. You can't fill the space of a child. And nor will your child fill your space. You'll forever be her husband."

Lakshya scoffed.

"Yeah—I can see that. I can see how exactly 'children aren't a competition with husbands.' Because since you've given birth—I haven't seen you spending time with your man. It's like you have forgotten about him."

Sameera sighed. She looked at him. Her voice was calm.

"I am not going to explain anything to you. Tum mein utni maturity nahi hai. Tumhe explain karne ka koi sense hi nahi banta. Jaise tumhe sahi lage—tum karo. At the end—it's yours and Yuvika's marriage."

Lakshya got angry. He said—

"Yeah—so stay away from my marriage. And stop giving me suggestions when I didn't ask for them."

Sameera raised her eyebrows.

"You are being too rude with me. Just hope—that a day doesn't come when you have to come to me and ask for suggestions."

Lakshya didn't look at her. He put the baby in the crib. And he went out.

Sameera watched him go. She sighed.

Yuvika... how do you handle him?