Aakriti's heart pounded against her chest.
I don't like repeating myself.
Vidyut's sharp voice left no room for argument.
The tears gathering in her eyes finally spilled over. She looked once more toward the gates as if hoping her uncle's car would magically return. It didn't.
The realization settled heavily inside her.
She was alone. Completely alone.
Vidyut watched her silently for a moment before turning toward the mansion.
Bring her inside.
The guards immediately obeyed.
Aakriti hesitated.
She wants to run out of this mansion she have no idea where it's going how she will be treated here now she have no hope that her life could be at least survivable
Don't think of running from here Vidyut’s sharp voice cut her thoughts and make her flinched
He himself held her wrist and bring her inside they walk through the large stairs going upstairs
He open the door there was a luxury bedroom you can rest here and change if you want and ask the female staff if you need anything
Dinner will be served after sometimes
Aakriti nodded she went inside the room still not believe she sat at the edge of the bed than finally she decided to change
She wore simple kurti pant and came out of the restroom she heard a soft knock on the door she flinched and thought for second than finally open the door
Ma’am do you need anything staff said
Aakriti was stern she shook her head in no and said softly Thank you
Staff nodded Ma’am call me if you need anything and your dinner will be served in 10 minutes
Aakriti nodded okay thank you
She went to balcony to take some cool breeze
The cool evening breeze brushed against Aakriti's face as she stood on the balcony. From there, the entire estate was visible, perfectly trimmed gardens, sparkling fountains, and guards patrolling every corner with disciplined precision.
It was beautiful.
Yet she had never felt so trapped.
Her eyes wandered to the massive iron gates far below. They seemed impossibly distant.
She wondered if she could somehow escape.
But even if she managed to get out…
Where would she go?
Her uncle had abandoned her.
Her aunt never wanted her.
She had no money, no phone, and no one waiting for her.
A tear slipped down her cheek.
She leaned against the balcony railing and whispered to herself,
Mom... Dad... what should I do now?
Some how she managed herself and went to room again to change into the fresh Clothes which maid left while ago she took a bath and changed into simple clothes
Before she can sit and again think about what is happening in her life
A soft knock on the door heard she immediately gets up alert as if something is going to happen because she never felt this privacy at her house she barely got one small store that too she can't lock and the thought of being hurt her mind works like that so she already became alert
She went and open the door
The same maid stood outside with a gentle smile…..Ma'am, dinner is ready.
Aakriti hesitate
Ma’am Sir is calling you down for dinner please come…Aakriti nodded
The maid respectfully led her through the long corridor. Every servant they passed greeted her politely, making her even more uncomfortable.
She wasn't used to people treating her with respect.
They reached the dining hall where the long dining table was already prepared.
Dozens of dishes covered the table.
Aakriti immediately stepped back.
There is... so much.
The maid smiled.
Our chef prepared dinner for you.
For... me? Aakriti shocked
The maid nodded.
Please have a seat.
Aakriti hesitated before quietly sitting on the edge of the chair.
Just as she was about to pick up a spoon, the sound of firm footsteps echoed through the hall.
Every servant instantly straightened.
Vidyut entered the dining room.
Still dressed in his black suit, he walked with the same composed authority that seemed to silence the entire mansion.
Without looking at anyone, he took his seat at the head of the table.
Aakriti immediately stood up.
She wasn't sure why.
Perhaps because everyone else had lowered their heads.
Vidyut noticed her standing.Sit.
She obeyed immediately.
For several moments, neither of them spoke.
Only the faint clinking of cutlery could be heard.
Aakriti nervously looked at the food but couldn't bring herself to eat.
She could feel his presence even without looking at him.
Vidyut noticed her untouched plate.
You didn't eat lunch.
It wasn't a question.
It was a statement.
She quietly shook her head.
No.
Why?
Aakriti looked down.
I... wasn't hungry.
Vidyut raised an eyebrow.You're a poor liar.
She remained silent.
He placed his fork down.
In this house, no one skips meals.
His voice remained calm but left no room for argument. Eat…If you want cook can make anything else if you don't like this
Aakriti was stunned because nobody ever asks for her choice…No here there are so many things It's more than enough
Vidyut nodded
If you want I can sit down…Aakriti said in slow voice
Vidyut frowned. What ?Why ? Than he realises she had been treated like that only…Sit here and eat
She slowly picked up the spoon and began eating.
She was careful not to make any sound, taking small bites while keeping her eyes lowered.
Vidyut continued his meal without another word.
After a few minutes, he suddenly asked,
Can you cook?
The unexpected question made her look up.
A little.
A little?
She nodded nervously.
I cook every day.
For the first time, the corner of Vidyut's lips lifted ever so slightly.
Then that's not 'a little.
Aakriti blinked in surprise.
She hadn't expected a response like that.
The silence returned, but this time it felt less frightening.
When dinner was over, she quietly stood.
Thank you... for the food.
Vidyut looked at her for a brief second.
Then he spoke in his usual composed tone.
Get some rest. And I hope you will not sleep down on the floor atleast not in my house I don't treat my guest like that
Guest ? Her voice slow barely audible
Get some good sleep well will talk tomorrow he gets up and went from there
She wanted to ask what he meant.
What will happen tomorrow?
What did he plan to do with her?
But the questions remained trapped in her throat.
She simply nodded.
Aakriti also came to the room. She was so tired but sleep was nowhere found in her eyes…She kept trying to sleep but failed. She was staring at the ceiling…
After struggling to sleep she went to the balcony again and she kept looking at the sky. The night was peaceful with only the soft hmm of cold wind….
She rubbed her own arms carefully and came out of the room so as not to disturb anyone…
And quietly went to the terrace to get some fresh air…
To Be Continued
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