HUKUM, RANI SA. || 18+ (UPCOMING...)

"What... what are you saying, Mami?" Vinita's voice was barely a whisper, yet it carried the weight of her disbelief, frustration, and barely contained fury. "I can't do this... I won't! I still have my studies-"

"You don't have a choice, girl." The sharp, authoritative voice cut through her words like a blade. "This marriage will happen. If not willingly, then forcefully. And when things go wrong, don't blame me for what comes next."

A chill ran down her spine, but not out of fear-out of the sheer rage building inside her. Her nails dug so deep into her palms that she felt the sting of pain, but she refused to show weakness. Not to them.

She clenched her jaw, forcing her voice to stay steady. "What do you mean by 'what comes next'? Are you threatening me?"

The old man smirked-a knowing, satisfied smirk. The kind that didn't just show dominance but the certainty of an already sealed fate.

"Think whatever you want, but stop wasting our time and come downstairs."

Vinita parted her lips to protest, to fight back-but before she could, her Mami spoke, her voice laced with forced obedience.

"You don't have to worry, Bhaisahab... I will prepare her and bring her down."

Her heart stopped.

Prepare her?

As if she was an offering. A prize to be presented.

The man didn't wait for another word. He turned and walked away, his every step echoing the weight of his unquestionable command.

Vinita felt her breath falter, her world spinning as reality crashed down on her. No. No, this can't be happening.

She turned to her Mami, her voice trembling with rage and betrayal. "Mami... do you even hear yourself? Marriage? My marriage? And to three men?!"

Her Mami sighed, as if she was the one bearing the burden. "Vinita, my love... try to understand. If you refuse, what will happen to our honor? What will people say about us?"

"Honor?" A bitter laugh escaped her lips, raw and hollow. "So my life is worth less than your honor?"

❋

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