"I Do"

chapter 16

MEHERJIRANA MANSION - LIVING ROOM!

Akira sits on the couch, flipping through a book on Upanishads. She looks pensive, deep in thought.

"it is indeed the mind that is the cause of men's bondage and liberation. the mind that is attached to sense-objects leads to bondage, while dissociated from sense-objects it tends to lead to liberation".

Akira (humming softly to herself): Mmm...

Just then, Naval, the youngest brother, enters the room, his eyes bright with excitement.

Naval: Bhabhi, look! I got an A in my math test!

Akira (smiling warmly): That's amazing, Naval! I'm so proud of you.

Naval beams with pride, then his expression turns somber.

Naval: Sometimes, I wish Papa and Bhai would be happy for me too.

Akira's heart aches for the young boy. She reaches out and ruffles his hair gently.

Akira: You're a smart boy, Naval. Don't let anyone dim your light.

Suddenly, Vasco strides into the room, his presence looming large. Akira tenses slightly, but maintains her calm demeanor.

Vasco (gruffly): What's all this noise about?

Naval shrinks back, intimidated by Vasco's tone.

Akira (softly): Naval got an A in his math test, Vasco. He's doing so well in school.

Vasco's expression not readable imperceptibly for a moment before he masks it with a scowl.

Vasco: Hmmm.

As Vasco leaves the room, Akira exchanges a knowing glance with Naval, silently promising to be his pillar of support in their cold household.

Akira sensed the tension in the room this she come up with a new topic in order to distract Naval.

AKIRA
(remiscing)
Back in school, we didn't have phones or the internet. As phone and internet were still not a very pivotal part of our lives.We had to rely on face-to-face conversations. And it was cool and relaxing.

NAVAL
(fascinated)
That's so different from now. How did you manage?

AKIRA
(smiling)
I was part of the volleyball team. Being tall helped. I had to keep my head clear to perform well, not just for me, but for the team. Also it helped me to be confident about what I think and how to express it without hiding behind any device.

NAVAL
(amazed)
I had no idea life was so different for people back then my teacher always emphasis the importance of having a mentor and now I feel I'll like you to be my mentor.

Akira's eyes light up with warmth.

AKIRA
(humbly)
I'm just being myself. It's important to be secure in who you are. And we have to experience all the emotions before reaching that point.

Naval looks at Akira with admiration.

NAVAL
(wistfully)

I've never seen someone so confident and caring.

Akira pats Naval's shoulder, a silent reassurance passing between them.

The sound of laughter and chatter fills the room, a bond forming between Akira and Naval.

At Night

Vasco's luxurious bedroom. The room is dimly lit, with expensive furnishings and a large bed dominating the space. Vasco enters, looking weary from his long day.

Vasco: (sighs heavily) Finally home.

Akira stirs from her spot on the couch, where she had fallen asleep waiting for him.

Akira: (groggy) You're back. I didn't realize I fell asleep. Shall I get you some water? Warm the food?

Vasco is clearly taken aback by Akira's gesture, a flicker of emotion crossing his face. But he quickly masked his emotions.

Vasco: (nodding) Hmm.

Akira attends to Vasco, serving him food and staying by his side. After he finishes eating, she clears the plates and returns to the room. There is a palpable tension between them even after their fiery love making session at kitchen days ago.

Vasco: (lying in bed) Make some space.

Akira sensing his needs for more space tries to accommodate Vasco on the bed, but his presence looms large afterall he's a 6'7 beast with his large muscles and heavy build.

Vasco: (gruffly) Enough.

Akira retreats to her side of the bed, a sense of unease hanging in the air.

Vasco: (Roughly) Come here.

Akira hesitates, her eyes flicking to him.

Vasco: (Grabbing her waist, pulling her close) Why do you always resist me?

Akira: (Her voice steady, despite her racing heart) I don't resist you... I just...

Vasco: (Cutting her off, his voice a low growl) Shut up. (He pulls her towards him, crushing her body against his) You're mine. Remember that.

Akira's eyes widen as he starts sniffing her hair and neck, his hands roaming roughly over her body. She tries to pull away, but he tightens his grip.

Akira: (Her breath catching)

his hands becoming more insistent, ripping at her nightgown.

Vasco:  (His breath hot on her neck) I need you. Now.

Akira's protests turn to muffled screams as he pushes her onto the bed, the springs creaking in protest. The sound of their struggling fills the room—fabric tearing, flesh slapping, and Akira's desperate resistance.

Akira: (Her voice rising in pitch) No.. please go gentle.

The torture ends with Vasco on top of Akira, his shadow engulfing her, and her screams turning to muffled moans as the moonlight bathes them in a cold, unforgiving light.