Chapter 23 The Hug He Never Expected
Vihan’s eyes narrow as he leans closer. “I want the world to understand Vihan is not a name. He is fire. And those who dare play with fire get burned to death.”
Raaka pulls a small remote out of his coat pocket, “We’re just waiting for your word. The team is in position. Your signal and it’s done.”
Vihan looks once more at the now-empty table, the missing file taunting him. “This game started with Samar but it will end with me. Written in blood.”
Raaka adds coldly, “This time it’s not about survival. It’s about complete annihilation.”
Saying that, Raaka turns and swiftly disappears into the shadows. A wicked smile spreads across Vihan’s face. He whispers darkly, “Tomorrow will be your last day, my dear illegal brother.”
And then he laughs. Loud. Cruel. Echoing through the silent jungle. A laugh so cold and venomous, it makes the darkness feel alive. His laughter rolls like thunder, shaking the trees, as if the night itself swallows his madness.
I am standing deep in thought in that very room when a voice comes from behind me. “What are you thinking about?”
Startled, I turn around quickly and see Samar standing there, gazing at me with his deep green eyes. I speak hesitantly, “You shouldn’t have hidden this fake marriage from your family.”
Samar walks casually to the couch and sits down, replying calmly, “Look, girl I can’t marry you for real. I only signed those marriage papers because of your dad. Otherwise, I have no interest in marriage. I’ll set you free in one month. You can go back home.”
I nod slightly, understanding, and ask softly, “Then why did you make me lie?”
He replies evenly, “It was necessary. Otherwise, my family would’ve forced me into a traditional wedding.” I nod again, quietly. I accept everything in silence.
After dinner, Rohit and Karan are still in the garden. The fragrance of flowers fills the air. Ruhi spots Rohit sitting alone on a bench, and her heart skips a beat. Karan stands at a distance, watching everything with a mischievous smile.
Ruhi says softly, smiling flirtatiously, “Rohit, do you know when you smile, it lifts the whole mood?”
Rohit looks awkward. “You! thanks, Ruhi but you don’t need to say things like that.”
She steps a little closer. “Don’t need to or you don’t like it? Have you never felt like someone might feel something for you?”
Rohit suddenly gets up, angry. “Ruhi, just stop! You know I don’t want anything like this. You’re my friend and I’m not interested in anything beyond that.”
Her eyes well with tears. “I was just trying to say that I like you. If saying that was wrong, then I’m sorry.”
Rohit raises his voice. “I don’t even want to hear this, Ruhi! There are boundaries. Please, just leave me alone.”
He storms out of the garden. Ruhi stands frozen, tears streaming down her face. Words stay trapped in her throat.
Karan walks up, gently moves a strand of hair from her forehead, and speaks softly, “One day, Rohit will understand everything, Ruhi. Maybe then he’ll realize how precious the girl was who felt so deeply for him.”
She lowers her eyes. The tears continue, but now there’s trust trust in Karan’s words. Karan places a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Come on go get some sleep. You’ve cried enough. Your eyes and your heart both deserve peace.”
He lovingly walks her back inside the mansion. It is early morning when I wake up. I wear a beautiful purple suit with matching trousers. My hair is still slightly wet, loose down my back. I sit at the dressing table, slipping purple bangles onto my wrists. Their soft clinking blends with the silence.
Samar has already left for the office. Suddenly, something shifts inside me. My hands freeze mid-movement. “Huff…” I breathe out, my chest feeling heavy. I quickly drink water, but the uneasiness grows stronger.
I place my hand on my chest. My heartbeat races. “Oh God…” I whisper to myself. “Why am I feeling like this like something bad is about to happen?”
I walk to the window. Everything outside is calm but my heart isn’t. I get ready quickly and hurry downstairs. Everyone is there except Vihaan and Samar.
Neeti smiles at me. “Come, Sister-in-law, have breakfast with us.”
I smile faintly and sit silently. After breakfast, I gather courage and walk to Mrs. Shobha. “Mom can I go to the office today and give Samar lunch myself?”
She smiles warmly. “Of course, child. He’ll be happy to see you.”
Karan walks in. “I’m heading to the hospital. I can drop you at the office.” I nod, my chest tightening again.
A little later, Karan and I reach SR Empire. I step out of the car and freeze. “This this building.” I whisper.
Tall glass walls. Grand entrance. The glowing SR Empire logo. Inside, there’s unnatural silence. “Why is the office empty?” I ask softly.
Karan replies lightly, “Maybe everyone’s in a meeting.” We reach the top floor.
Karan pushes open the cabin door and my breath stops. Samar stands near the glass wall, city stretching below him. Karan asks urgently, “Why is the office empty, Samar?”
Samar turns slowly. His eyes don’t go to Karan. They find me. I stand there, tears shimmering, silent. He looks at me as if the world fades away.
Time stops. And at that moment For him only I exist. Finally, Samar regains control of his voice and says casually, “Nothing I just decided to give the staff a day off.”
Karan frowns, clearly not convinced. “Then why are you still here? Come home.”
Samar shoots him a cold glance and replies calmly, “I’ll come soon.”
Karan lets out a tired sigh, shaking his head. “Sister-in-law, please talk to your crazy husband. He’s completely beyond my understanding.”
Samar narrows his eyes at him. Karan chuckles instantly and adds, “Sister-in-law, I’ll be waiting outside, come soon.”
I nod slightly in agreement, saying nothing. Karan turns and walks out of the cabin, leaving us alone.
Now, only Samar and I remain two hearts, one heavy silence. The air feels tense, thick with unspoken emotions.
Samar looks at me and asks, his tone cool yet curious, “Why did you come here?”
I don’t answer him. Instead, I walk to the table and quietly place the lunch box there. I can feel his gaze on me, following every movement, as if he’s trying to read my face. Before he can say anything else, something inside me breaks.
I suddenly step forward and wrap my arms tightly around his chest, holding him as if I might fall apart if I let go. Tears stream down my face, soaking into his shirt as I cling to him in silence.