Vihaan dumped Gauri onto the bed, his actions abrupt. She bounced lightly on the mattress, her eyes never leaving his face, a mischievous curve playing on her lips.
Without a word, he strode into the walk-in closet, emerging moments later with a pair of pajamas. "I'll take a quick shower," he said curtly, disappearing into the washroom.
As the door clicked shut behind him, Gauri's gaze lingered on it, her smile deepening. This might be more interesting than I thought, she mused to herself.
When Vihaan reappeared, dressed in his nightclothes, the room had transformed. The main lights were off, and a warm flicker of candlelight bathed the space. Gauri stood by the dresser, striking a match to light another candle, her face glowing in the soft, golden hue.
Vihaan's expression hardened with suspicion. "What are you doing?" he asked, wary.
Gauri turned toward him, her steps graceful, deliberate, almost feline. Without answering, she began to sway, her movements sensual, her voice low and intoxicating as she broke into the iconic melody.
Her laughter echoed between the lyrics, sultry and teasing, every gesture meant to provoke him.
Vihaan's jaw tightened, his eyes locked on her, both captivated and enraged. In two strides, he closed the distance, pinning her against the wall, his palm braced beside her head. "Stop these cheap antics, Gauri," he growled, his voice thick with frustration.
Gauri's lips curled into a provocative smile. "Didn't you fall madly in love with me because of these very antics?" she asked, her voice husky.
His face darkened. "Have you lost your mind? I was never some fool bewitched by your tricks."
Her eyes glittered with challenge. "That only means one thing. You were lusting after my body."
Vihaan stiffened, insult burning through his veins. "I'd never look at any woman that way," he said, his tone firm, final.
Gauri's smile cracked. Her laughter came sharp, brittle—and then broke into tears. "Then why did you marry me, Vihaan? If you weren't drawn to me, why force me into this sham? You lied about kidnapping Charvi, you arrested my mother, and you shoved that cursed contract in my face. And now you refuse to tell me why. Do you think I'll ever believe your words?"
Her voice trembled with fury and heartbreak.
Vihaan's anger ignited in full. He seized her wrist, dragging her toward the balcony. Without hesitation, he shoved her outside and locked the door. His tone was icy as he muttered, "It's going to rain. Let the storm cool your madness."
The door slammed shut.
Outside, the sky broke open, rain lashing down in heavy sheets. Gauri pressed her palms to the glass, then sank slowly to her knees. Her shoulders shook, and tears mingled with the downpour streaming over her face. She hugged herself tightly, her cries muffled by the thunder above.
Inside, Vihaan paced. His chest still heaved with anger, but when his gaze shifted back to the balcony, guilt carved its way into his expression. Gauri sat crumpled on the cold tiles, sobbing as if the storm had shattered something inside her. For a moment, he froze, torn between pride and remorse. Finally, with a rough exhale, he yanked the curtains shut. "She'll… she'll tire herself out," he muttered, though his voice lacked conviction.
The rain roared on.
Lightning split the sky, and in that fleeting glow, a shadow stirred behind Gauri. A tall figure with long braids whipping in the wind emerged—Nishigandha. Her presence was menacing, almost otherworldly.
Gauri did not sense her. Lost in her tears, her head was bowed, her sobs drowned out by the storm.
Without a sound, Nishigandha shoved her with brutal force. Gauri gasped, arms flailing wildly as she lost her balance. The slick tiles betrayed her footing, and she lurched backward.
With sheer desperation, her fingers caught the railing, knuckles whitening as she clung for her life.
Nishigandha's lips curled into a sinister smile. In a few minutes, she will fall to her death, she thought, her eyes gleaming with malice.