Anika was still in Vikrant’s house, lost in a void of silence and guilt.
She barely spoke, barely reacted. The weight of her choices, of loving the wrong person, was crushing her.
Vikrant had returned home too, not to take advantage of the situation, but to watch over her. He knew Anika how sensitive she was.
She carried guilt like a wound, and he feared she might let it consume her. He wasn’t going to let that happen.
While the house was steeped in sorrow, mourning not just Vikram’s death but the truth of his existence, Vikrant tried to bring some light back.
He didn’t ignore what had happened, but he didn’t let it drown them either. He kept them moving forward, especially Anika.
Then, one day, her parents arrived.
They sat with Anika, their faces serious, voices firm.
“It’s time to come home,” her father said.
“There’s no reason for you to stay here anymore.”
Vikram’s parents remained silent. They had no argument. There was no point in Anika staying here, tied to a family that had already caused her so much pain.
“You deserve a fresh start,” her mother added gently. “We’ll find a good match for you, someone who will”
Before she could finish, Vikrant entered the house.
He stopped in his tracks, taking in the scene, the quiet pleading in her parents’ eyes, the emptiness in Anika’s expression.
His jaw tightened as he stepped forward.
“What do you plan to do with Anika?”
Her father met his gaze. “We are going to marry her off to someone worthy. We won’t let our daughter’s life be ruined.”
Silence stretched across the room for a moment. Then, Vikrant spoke.
“Then marry her to me.”
The words landed like a thunderclap.
All eyes turned to him in shock.
Vikrant stepped closer, his voice steady.
“I’ve loved Anika for a long time. Even when Vikram knew it, he took advantage of my feelings. He wanted to trap her, to claim what wasn’t his to take. But I won’t let him have the last word in her life. I will take care of her. I will give her the respect and love she deserves.”
Her parents exchanged glances.
They had always liked Vikrant, he was responsible, strong, and had never once wronged their daughter.
And now, with how broken Anika was, maybe he was the only one who could bring her back.
Vikrant’s parents, too, nodded their agreement.
But Anika...
She simply stared at him, blank, unreadable.
Then, without a word, she turned and ran.
Straight to her room, locking the door behind her.
Leaving Vikrant standing there, watching the door, as an ache settled deep in his chest.
Vikrant didn’t hesitate. The moment Anika ran to her room, he followed.
She had barely shut the door when he pushed it open, stepping inside before she could lock him out.
Anika stood by the window, her arms wrapped around herself, her whole body tense.
“Anika,” he called softly.
