Chapter 16

POV VIDYA NADAR

The night air clung to my skin, thick and suffocating, as I stepped out of Kathir's car. My legs ached with exhaustion, every step a reminder of the weight I carried—not just physically but emotionally. My heels clicked against the pavement, the sharp sound jarring against the quiet of the night. A dull throb pulsed in my temples, but nothing compared to the storm raging inside me.

The moment my family spotted me, they rushed forward, their faces tight with worry.

"Hey, Vidya! I called you, but you didn't answer. Why are you so late?"

Sanjay's voice carried urgency, his brows knit together in concern.

I swallowed hard, forcing my expression into something neutral. If I let even a fraction of what I felt slip through, I might shatter. "Hmm… I had a lot of paperwork. My phone was on silent," I lied, my voice steady but hollow.

Mom stepped forward, her gaze scanning my face as if searching for cracks. "We were already worried about you," she murmured, her warmth a quiet anchor in my turmoil.

"Yes, and we kept calling your office, but no one answered," Vino added, her voice laced with suspicion.

I forced a tired smile, flipping my hair back in frustration. "Stop worrying. I'm fine." But as my fingers brushed against my wrist, the sting of a forming bruise made my breath hitch. My throat tightened, but I swallowed the lump down. Not now. Not in front of them.

"Is your dinner ready?" Dad's voice was softer as he took my bag from my shoulder, his touch careful, as if sensing my weariness.

I blinked, snapping back to the moment. "Not yet, Dad. I'm starving. Shall we eat?"

Mom sighed, shaking her head. "Come, dear. You're working so much you're skipping meals now?"

As we headed inside, I noticed Vino lingering by the entrance, her eyes distant.

"Vino?" I called gently. "Why are you standing there?"

She blinked, snapping out of her thoughts before nodding slightly and following us in.

Dinner did little to warm the cold dread settling in my chest. The moment I entered my room, I collapsed onto my bed, my limbs heavy, my mind racing. The ceiling blurred as my thoughts spiraled—Kathir's voice, his grip, his threats.

I squeezed my eyes shut. Stop thinking. Stop feeling.

Sleep came swiftly, dragging me into its dark embrace.

The Next Morning

Soft golden light seeped through the curtains, casting hazy patterns across my room. My eyelids fluttered open, but the moment I tried to move, a sharp ache shot through my body. My limbs felt like lead, my muscles stiff with exhaustion.

A light knock echoed before my door creaked open.

Vino stepped inside, her eyes locking onto mine. "Are you not going to work today?" She folded her arms, her sharp gaze missing nothing.

I forced myself up, only to groan at the weight pressing down on me. "I have to… Just give me a minute."

Vino's brows furrowed as she walked over, pressing the back of her hand against my forehead. Her worry deepened. "You have a fever."

I groaned. "What time is it?"

She glanced at her watch. "It's 11:30 AM."

I gasped, my eyes widening. "It's already late! I have to go—"

"No, you don't." Vino's voice was firm. "You're sick."

I pushed myself up again. "No, no, Vino. I have to. Today is important—"

"I don't care about your office matters!" She cut me off, her voice unyielding. "You can go tomorrow. For now, rest. I'll bring you some medicine."

"But Vino—"

"I said rest!" She shot me a glare that left no room for argument.

With a sigh, I flopped back onto the bed. Vino smirked in victory before heading to my drawer. As she rummaged through it, my gaze drifted to the ceiling, my thoughts betraying me.

What would Kathir Rathore do next? Would he actually reject Sanjay's project?

A shiver ran down my spine.

Vino returned, placing a pill in my palm and handing me a glass of water.

I frowned. "You know I hate medicine, right?"

Her smirk widened. "Yep. But you don't have a choice."

"No, no, please, Vino." I pouted, pulling my best puppy-dog face.

She chuckled. "Sorry, girl. You're not escaping this."

With a defeated sigh, I took the pill—then paused. Just as I was about to pop it in my mouth, Mom called for Vino from downstairs.

"Coming, aunty!" Vino called back before turning to me. "And no cheating! Understand?"

I nodded innocently.

The moment she left, I smirked, tucking the pill under my pillow before gulping the water with a dramatic fake burp.

Sorry, Vino. But my pillow already 'ate' the medicine. It'll cure my fever just fine.

Snuggling deeper into my blanket, I sighed in relief.

No stress, no crying, no Kathir. Just peaceful sleep.

By 4 PM, I lounged on the couch, watching a comedy movie with Vino. Laughter filled the air, light and free. Dad napped in his room, Mom busied herself in the kitchen, and Sanjay had left for work.

For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt… normal.

At 7 PM, we gathered for dinner. The warmth of home, the sound of my family's voices, the simple joy of eating together—it wrapped around me, grounding me.

But then, my gaze flickered down.

The faint bruises on my wrist.

My fingers trembled. My stomach clenched.

The laughter around me blurred into distant echoes as memories from last night surged back—Kathir's grip tightening, his sharp gaze, the suffocating weight of his power over me.

I froze. The food in my mouth turned tasteless.

A warm hand landed on my shoulder, jolting me back.

I blinked, my vision clearing to find Sanjay watching me with concern. "Are you okay?"

I swallowed hard and forced a smile. "Ye-yeah."

He sighed in relief and continued eating. I followed suit, pushing away the lingering fear.

I hope he doesn't blackmail me. I've already informed HR, so he won't mind… right?

I rolled my eyes. That arrogant, monkey-faced Kathir Rathore.

As I ate, my gaze flickered to the clock. 7:45 PM.

Hmm… It's his coffee time now. He's probably sipping coffee while talking on his earpod.

Wait.

I blinked.

Why the hell am I thinking about him now?

I shook my head rapidly, trying to shake away the thought like an annoying mosquito.

"What are you doing, Vidya?" Mom's voice pulled me back.

Realizing everyone was staring, I let out an awkward laugh. "Oh, nothing! Just… mosquitoes."

Mom shook her head while I mentally facepalmed.

As the night deepened, I climbed the stairs to my room, exhaustion weighing heavy on my shoulders. Yet, my mind refused to rest.

I have to see him again tomorrow.

A long sigh escaped me as I shut my door, bracing myself for whatever storm awaited.