𝐀𝐏𝐊𝐈 𝐊𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐈.

Chapter 28. Parallel 🩷

KASHI:-

---

As soon as the last person left, the heavy door shut with a deep thud, echoing in the silence. My breath hitched. His presence felt suffocating, his tall frame towering over me like a predator ready to strike.

He took a step closer, his dark eyes locked onto mine, unreadable yet terrifying.

"You will wear it," he said, his voice dangerously calm.

I clenched my fists. "I won't."

His lips curved into a smirk, but there was no amusement in his eyes. "You think you have a choice?"

My pulse raced. "If you're marrying someone else, why do you care what I wear?" I snapped, trying to mask my fear with defiance.

His jaw ticked, and in the blink of an eye, he grabbed my wrist, pulling me close until our breaths mingled. "Marrying someone else?" he repeated mockingly. "Who told you that?"

I swallowed hard. "You said-"

"I said a wedding is happening," he cut me off, his grip tightening. "But I never said whose."

My body went rigid as his words sank in.

No.

No, this can't be.

I shook my head, stepping back. "You're lying."

He chuckled darkly. "I don't lie, little one. You ran from me once, but now, there is no escape. This time, you will be my queen."

I felt the room spin, my knees weakening.

This wedding... is mine?

I wanted to scream, to protest, but deep down, I knew one thing-there was no getting away from him now.

Before I could protest, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me forward. His grip was firm, unyielding, making it clear that there was no escape.

"Let me go!" I struggled, trying to break free, but he didn't even flinch.

He didn't speak. He didn't need to. The way he dragged me out of the room and down the long corridor was enough to tell me that my resistance meant nothing to him.

As we stepped out into the open courtyard, my breath hitched. The entire place was decorated in bright yellow and orange, marigold garlands hanging from every corner. The scent of turmeric, rose water, and sandalwood filled the air.

And then I saw them-dozens of people, all dressed in vibrant traditional attire, waiting. Their laughter and chatter faded the moment they spotted us.

The haldi ceremony had already begun.

Women holding golden thalis filled with turmeric paste turned to look at us, their expressions shifting from surprise to confusion. The men standing near the large cushions, where the ritual would take place, exchanged glances.

Everyone was waiting.

But for whom?

I swallowed hard and looked around. I should have seen another bride. Another woman who was about to be married. But there was no one else.

A shiver ran down my spine.

Then, his voice sliced through the silence.

"Let's begin."

I snapped my head toward him. "What?"

He finally turned to look at me, his dark gaze locking onto mine. Cold. Commanding. Unforgiving.

"For my haldi," he said, tilting his head slightly. Then, his lips curled into a smirk.

"And yours."

My entire world came crashing down.

The whispers around us grew louder, but I couldn't hear them. My pulse thundered in my ears as I took a shaky step back.

"No," I breathed out. "No, this isn't happening."

He leaned in, his voice dangerously low. "You ran away once. I told you-if I found you again, there would be no escape."

I wanted to scream. To run. But my feet wouldn't move.

Because deep down, I knew...

This was real.

And I was about to become his bride.

Before I could react, I felt hands on my shoulders-soft, hesitant. The women standing nearby stepped forward, their gazes lowered, as they reached for the haldi.

"No." I shook my head, stepping back. "No, I won't do this."

The murmurs grew louder. Some of the older women exchanged glances, their faces unreadable. The men stood silently, as if waiting for a command.

And then I felt it.

His hand on my waist.

A gasp escaped my lips as he pulled me closer, his fingers pressing into my skin through the heavy fabric of my lehenga. His voice was calm, but laced with steel.

"Sit down, little one."

I turned my face away, refusing to meet his gaze. "You can't force me."

His grip tightened slightly-not enough to hurt, but enough to remind me who was in control.

"I already have."

I wanted to fight, to scream, but my body refused to move. The weight of everyone's eyes on me, the fear of what he would do if I pushed too far-it all paralyzed me.

And then, before I could protest again, he reached out and dipped his fingers into the turmeric paste.

I stiffened.

The next moment, his warm, rough fingers touched my cheek, smearing the bright yellow haldi onto my skin.

A collective gasp filled the air. The women covered their mouths, the men exchanged glances, and I-I forgot to breathe.

Because in that single act, he had sealed my fate.

"The ritual has begun," he said, his deep voice sending chills down my spine. "Now, let's see if you can still run."

The crowd burst into applause, women smiling as they approached with their plates.

I wanted to scream.

But it was too late.

I was his.

I sat frozen, my body stiff as the women surrounded me, dipping their fingers into the turmeric paste. One by one, they applied it to my hands, my arms, my face -as if i belonged here.

I didn't

I didn't belong to this place!

I didn't belong to him..

I have to find someways for god sake!!!!
---

How does this feel?

Sorry for late update 🥀
I hope you love this❣️