ROYAL VENDETTA

05

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

The Rathore mansion was bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, casting long shadows that seemed to heighten the tension simmering within its walls. The air was thick with unspoken words and unresolved conflicts, creating an oppressive atmosphere that affected everyone.

Aawanya found herself in the kitchen again, trying to distract herself with dinner preparations. Her mind was still on the previous night. As she chopped vegetables, her thoughts were interrupted by the sudden entrance of Jahnvi.

"Jahnvi, I've noticed you walking strangely all morning. What's going on?" Aawanya asked, looking her up and down.

Jahnvi forced a smile, hopped up on the kitchen counter, and replied, "It's because of your brother-in-law, dear bhabhi."

"Can you be more specific? Wait, did he-?" Aawanya's eyebrows shot up.

"No, no, that useless bastard doesn't have the stamina for it," Jahnvi snapped, her teeth clenched. Aawanya chuckled, but her smile quickly faded when she saw Vardhan approaching. She tried to signal Jahnvi, but she was too engrossed in her rant to notice.

"You know what he did? That motherfucker made me kneel for an hour! I hate him so much! Why did I ever fall in love with a bastard like him? It's so infuriating, ahhh!" Jahnvi ranted, oblivious to Vardhan's presence. Aawanya, seeing no other option, gently turned Jahnvi's face towards Vardhan. Jahnvi's eyes widened in surprise and she gulped hard, her bravado vanishing instantly. She looked at Aawanya with a tearful expression.

"Pehle nahi bata sakte thai," Jahnvi muttered, sliding off the counter, while Vardhan stood silently, his gaze piercing into her.
(You could've warned me earlier)

"I tried, but you were too focused on your blubbering, idiot," Aawanya replied, rolling her eyes. Jahnvi pouted, feeling the weight of Vardhan's stare.

Vardhan straightened up, his voice cold as he spoke. "Toh meri taarif karke ho gaya jaana?" His words made Jahnvi flinch.
(So, are you done singing my praises?)

Jahnvi licked her lips nervously and forced a smile. "Hahaha, I was just joking! Aawanya bhabhi, you know Vardhan is the best husband I could have ever asked for. I really feel lucky that he is my husband. I feel blessed that I loved him and that I'm his one and only wife," she said hurriedly, trying to cover her earlier rant with a nervous smile.

"I know, I know how blessed you are to marry him," Aawanya added, rolling her eyes.

Jahnvi pouted, and Aawanya shot a glance at Vardhan before silently leaving the kitchen.

"So, Jaana, what were you saying?" Vardhan asked, stepping closer, his voice a low growl.

"Nothing, Vardh. I wasn't saying anything." Jahnvi's heartbeat quickened as Vardhan closed the distance, trapping her against the kitchen counter.

"Really?" Vardhan murmured, placing his hand on her waist, making Jahnvi flinch slightly. He drew her even closer, guiding her hand to rest on his shoulder.

He leaned in, his lips grazing her earlobe, sending shivers down her spine. Jahnvi closed her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips.

"We have to attend a business party tomorrow," he whispered, his breath warm against her ear. "Be ready at seven. And if you're not on time, I swear the punishment will be even harsher this time." He nipped at her earlobe lightly, then pulled back, watching her reaction with a smirk. Seeing her nervous and with her eyes shut, he left the kitchen.

Jahnvi slowly opened her eyes, finding herself alone. She took a deep breath, a smile spreading across her face. For the first time, he had invited her to a party. The joy of being included by him made her heart flutter. The hope she had nearly lost, the hope that he might one day love her, began to return.