Chapter - Between honour and dreams

Chapter - Between honor and dreams

The clapping intensity gradually slowed down. The anchor held the stage and looked at Sanyogita with a delighted smile.

But her eyes were fixed to the tall , sharp physique. Her eyes widened in horror. The anchor whispered to leave as the next contestants would soon appear . But nothing reached Sanyogita . It was then when the anchor hissed with gritted teeth and Sanyogita's cheeks flashed with embarrassment.

Her footsteps were dragged behind, heart even pumping louder so much she feared if anyone guessed about her worriness .

By the time she gathered courage to look behind before leaving the stage, Prithvi had already turned away.

Sanyogita's throat tightened. She turned her face and saw Mayuri’s radiating smile suddenly etched with confusion, she asked her as she reached behind the curtain.

“Why are you looking so pale as if you have seen some ghost ? Her jibb mixed smiling face faded away after Sanyogita said “ Viraj is here!"

“ Who's Viraj !" Mayuri's confusion deepened

“ Mr . Prithviraj Singhaniya" Sanyogita said

" What?? But how could he know??”" Mayuri asked more surprisingly

“ I don't know, Mayuri..but I have to go…he will be very angry with me…I don't know what I will do now ?”" Sanyogita's panicked

Mayuri put a hand over her bestie's shoulder “ But Sandy wait, why does it bother you so much? And if Prithviraj Singhaniya says anything to you it will be good for you as you have married him not to settle for a happy domestic life with him , right. Don't you? ”

As Sanyogita heard Mayuri's words some part of her wasn't ready to accept yet another part agreed with her bestie.

“ Phirbi Mayur…I have to..go…” she wishper..and added in her mind" I have to face a lot of mouth "

*******

Sanyogita emerged from the building in a hurry . She was going to climb into Mayurhi's car but she thudded when her eyes fell on the sleek black car .

She wished for a moment that the car , Prithvi and everyone surrounding her would vanish so she could get some time to breathe and think for a while.

Both the friends exchanged an understanding nodded. Mayuri squeezed Sanyogita's hand to give her support.

Against every instinct she walked towards his car and climbed in leaving worried Mayuri behind.

The atmosphere inside the car was thick with tension and rage. When her gaze darted over the rear view mirror to see his reaction, he was looking completely silent . As if he was her predator who knew about her every move.

************

The silence inside the Singhaniya house was suffocating. Even gorgeous chandeliers are unable to provide tranquility to Prithvi's. With access to the private lift they reached their floor. From the private lobby when they reached the hall room of their bedroom one of the guards opened the gate .

Prithvi left for his bedroom without giving a glance back, his silence only heightened the hammering of her chest .

Sanyogita entered their room, her dupatta hanging still from her shoulder .

Prithvi was busy unfastening his tie .

She walked to him and stood two steps away from him . However she summoned the courage to finally whisper

“Viraj… I know I hurt you by not letting you know about my participation…. I thought..I thought…you must be angry with me !”

Prithvi's hand paused , his eyes were bloodshot,as he threw the tie on the bed in a fluid motion.

“ If you already knew what would hurt me you’d never go to that local function , Sanjh ”

Sanyogita's throat went dry " Viraj…I just wanted to sing" she licked her lip and asked " however If you knew, would you support me to sing there? Just once?”

His head turned sharply, his tiger-eyes narrowing.

“Support you?” His voice was deep, controlled, but laced with bitter sarcasm “To sing in a cheap roadside hall where strangers gossip about my wife’s name?

Sanyogita shivered beneath his gaze .

She swallowed. “Viraj… I—”

“Answer me.” He gritted . “Did you enjoy being on stage while strangers whispered your name like it was theirs to use?”

Her throat tightened. “I had no option . It's the only thing meant to me. I just wanted to sing… not to insult your name.”

His laugh was humorless, sharp. “My name is not for street corners , Sanjh. Do you know what it means when they record videos? When they gossip? Tomorrow, headlines will write ‘Singhania’s wife performs at local mela’. Do you want my empire mocked because you have a hobby?”

Her eyes stung with tears, even her chest grew heavy but her voice was firm .

“It’s not a hobby, Viraj. It’s who I am. You’ve built empires with money, but I’ve only ever had my voice. Will you take that away too?”

Suddenly there was a deep pause.

Prithvi's piercing gaze glued to her .

In two strides, he was before her, towering. “If your dreams risk my family’s honor, yes. I will burn them down without a second thought.”

She flinched but lifted her chin. “And if my silence risks me? What then? Do I matter only as your wife, your reputation? Not as Sanyogita?”

For a second, something flickered in his eyes — empathy, maybe, but it was gone as quickly as it came. He leaned closer, his tone low, dangerous.

“You are mine. That’s the only identity the world needs to see. Forget the rest.”

Her lips trembled, but anger steadied them. Her response was immediate, sharp and mocking . “Congratulations, Mr. Singhania. You don’t have a wife then you have a prisoner in your golden cage.”

The words seemed to dig deeper than any knife on Prithvi's flesh . His hands, which had been fist , loosened slightly. His jaw clenched as he spoke finally , voice softer but still commanding .

“ I warned you once tonight. Don't ever try to test me again. For your own sake…”

He stepped back a little, struggling with the strom inside “ “If you dare to ruin the Singhania's name for your… childish dreams, I will not spare you. And Prithviraj Singhaniya never give second chance.. remember it ”

Without giving a second glance he turned around and left the room . The door slam shut .

Sanyogita's heart swelled with hurt. Her anger boiled over. She dropped on the bed … fresh tears came flooding over her both cheeks.

“ Why is it difficult for me to fight for my dream? I ain't asking for money, not even snatching someone right. All I want is just to sing . To recognise people for who I’m ? Not who I belong to.

As her hand swift on her cheeks she whispered in her mind “ If you think that locking me in your golden cage will silence me then you don't know me at all Viraj "

Her face etched with determination.

***************

The night had bled into the morning, but Sanyogita’s heart was still weighed down with last night’s words.

Soumya’s restless eyes darted over frequently at Sanyogita since she joined the breakfast table.

The silence cracked when Shanaya's voice barged in , venom laced with mockery .

She shoved her mobile screen in front of everyone “ Dekhiye, Bhabhi ! what I found. Mrs. Singhania spotted singing at a local function. Waha kya izzat bana rahi hai hamari ghar ki bahu!”

The video showed Sanyogita, glowing under fairy lights, her voice soaring.

Comments scrolled like wildfire,

“Who is this mystery diva?”

“Bollywood must sign her ASAP!”

“Singhania’s wife? Impossible!”

Pranali's eyes widened with surprise, then her glanced flicker to her daughter-in-law’s plaw face

Shanaya's eyes widened with disgust “Bhabi! I am even embarrassed to tell you how people are throwing clay on our family pride . I'm glad that by thousands of the grace of God you were saved that night but what will you say to your bahu if she still dares to ruin our family reputation like this..how will you explain that ?

She pressed on , nodding her head “ chi chi chi!!! Bhabhi , log mitti mein mila rahe hai hamari izzat ko ! Bahu eo ghar ki ka naam banati hai naki bigaarti hai? Do you know how my kitty group is laughing at me?”

Pranali tried to keep calm, her voice firm but soft. “Shanaya, thoda shant ho jao.. we can still talk . “ She shifted her gaze to her " Sanyo beta… yeh sab kya hai?”

Sanyogita finally spoke, her tone steady despite her racing heart.

“Mom, I didn't commit a crime . Singer beemar pad gayi thi, maine sirf madad ki… aur mujhe singing ka shouk hai . ”

Pranali sighed “Beta, if you want to sing at least you could let us know ?”

Before Shanaya could add more fuel , Pranav hissed , his tone sharp " Mom, why does Bhabhi need anyone's permission to do the things which give her happiness?"

Shanaya smirked, letting out in a mockery “ Happiness doesn't mean ruining the family's pride , Pranav . And you're very young to discuss all this things”

Pranav shot back , " And you're too old yet too immature enough to make a mountain out of this small molehill ”

Shanaya slammed her hand on the table, furious " Pranav ..! don't forget I'm your Aunt"”

Pranav rolled his eyes. “Aur aap bhool gayi ki ghar ke bade samajhdaar hote hain, na ki daily soap villains.”

Soumya’s cheeks flushed. She was furious at her mother, embarrassed by the awful drama..

Pranali's voice thunder across the hall “ Enough!!" She gripped the grip of the table

“Shanaya , if Sanyogita has violated our family image then you are also doing the same thing by lashing against her in front of everyone including the workers.

If any outsider laughs at you, that makes you feel embarrassed , but instead of standing up for your family , you're accusing them . Bhar wale kuch bhi kahe , kya tumhe nahi lagta ghari batein bahar nehi jani chaiye ?”

Colour drained from Shanaya's face . She opened her mouth to retaliate , but Pranali

raised her palm.

“ Bas …I don't want further discussion!”

Sanyogita, cheeks flushed with suppressed rage , quietly picked up her office bag. “I’m leaving for work.”

Shanaya sneered , her words cutting like knives “Dekho Maharani office jaa rahi hai ? Kis haaq se? Kal raat tumne Singhania naam ko sabke beech tamasha banaya diya . Aur aaj subah tum jaise kuch hua hi nahi, nikal rahi ho?”

Sanyogita's anger bottle-up , her reaction was immediate “ Shanaya Aunty , what do you want? You have a problem with my cooking skills, even though you can't digest my singing and now you still have another issue about going to my office! Tell me exactly what you want? Aap ke kitty party mein new gossip ki topic nahi mil Rahi hai isliye?

Would you want me to accompany you to stay in your room and gain weight day by day and gossip with you like two besties!” Sanyogita's last words are a mixture of sarcasm and taunt .

The table went silent.

Shanaya glared at her “ Bhabhi have you seen how she is talking to me!!”

Pranali closed her eyes , messaging her temple “bas, Sanyo . Stop arguing with elders. And Shanaya kya bachoo ke saath jhagrte reh ti ho..they are still immature but you are a grown up woman. We will discuss everything later . Now I'm not feeling well. I'm going back to my room"

Sanyogita heard that she felt frustrated.

Pranali rose, her sari swishing behind her. Leaving behind a suffocating silence.

Meanwhile, Prithvi strolled straight from his room . Without sparing a single glance at anyone in the living room, he headed to the gate.

Sanyogita's heart thudded . Since last night's heated altercation , he hadn't spoken to her .

As she stepped out of the gate, Mayuri's words echoed in her mind :

“ Mayur, he is very angry with me ..I'm fearing if he files for divorce. What will I do?”

“ If he is angry let him..waise you don't marry him be his loyal wife . It's just an escape for you. And if he divorce you it’ll be a blessing. You will be free of all boundaries and cage and can live your life on your own terms and conditions. After all, you are an adult . Educated and independent. And now work hard for your passion only.”

But instead of relief, a strange panic gripped her chest.

Her deep reverie shattered by the screeching of tires on the ground. She stumbled a step , clutching her bag .

The black glass rolled down.

Her brows arched inward . Making her eyes widened with surprise.

“ Viraj , ..” she yelled , clutching her chest " Just a few inches more my leg became a aloo pakoda!" He voice cracked in pure panick

His eyes flickered at her " That's your problem, Sanjh. I honked . You were dissolved in your daydreaming . Now , Sit inside "

His voice carried authority sharp enough to slice glass.

Her lips parted. “Viraj ? ”

“Sit. In. The. Car.” His voice was sharp, commanding.

Sanyogita hesitated, clutching her bag. “I can go myself.”

He leaned closer, his voice dropping like velvet over a blade . “Tum khud chalogi ya main tumhe utha kar gadi mein le ayon?”

Her throat went dry. Under the weight of his gaze, her resistance died an instant death . She obeyed, sliding stiffly in the front seat . The sleek black car's door rolled up automatically with a whoosh .

His hand ignited the engine , the car seemed to roar through the streets, sped off than usual. She clutched her bag near her belly as her mind was screaming with all types of possibilities.

Her thoughts spun around, “ Oh God ! Why is Viraj driving so fast, isn't he planning to throw me through a cliff ? Hey Bhagwan itni zaldi upar nahi aana woh bhi Mr. Singhaniya ke saath . Nahi nahi…Mr. Yamraj ji bas hum dono ko lene aane wale hi honge .. bas bhagwan if you come to take me with you pls don't take Viraj there unless my soul will not rest in peace not even in heaven.

I know mein toh bhaut cute hoon .Lekin Mr. Singhaniya bhaut bhayanak hai. Wohan pe bhi pohaach ke family reputation ki baatein karke Yamraaj ko bhi dara denge!”

The car suddenly moved steadily .

“ Mujhe andar anadar gali dene ki zarurat nahi hai .. " Prithvi said flatly, still gazing at the road. “Yamraj k pass nahi lekar ja raha hoon!”

Sanyogita's eyes bulged with surprise, her mouth fell open.

“ It na jor se jor se bhavisyabani karogi toh anyone can hear you!” His tone was dry, like he was discussing the weather.

She puffed her cheeks, finally mustered the courage to ask “Then at least tell me where you’re taking me!” her tone was a blend of innocence and curiosity.

“ You know the place!" He replied was casual

Her suspicion grew , "Isn't he planning to drop me at my house??" She thought and she broke the silence, her voice trembling yet defiant, “dekhiye,...hum maante hain humse galti hui hai. Since last night aap humko aise ghur rahe hai jaise ki mano humne koi jurm kiya ho!”

Prithvi's eyes narrowed, " Mein tumne ghur raha hoon?”

" Haan !..aur nahi toh kya ! Aap hamesa aise hi ghur ghurke dekhte…mein dkha hai aapko ” She crossed her arms , her tone was cute

Prithvi stiffed , adjusting his posture “ Achaaa ..?"

Sanyogita nodded innocently " haan toh nahi toh kya!” She smirked sarcastically

Prithvi masked his embarrassment with a teasing barb “Tumhe aise kya khass baat hai ... .jo mein tum little fox ko ghurnga!”

" Aap hume phirse little fox keh rahe hai…I'll call you kharate Singhana king !” Sanyogita's smirked

“ Todhi der k liye shaanti se beth nahi sakhti? " Prithvi snapped, eyes on the road.

She flung her hands up dramatically. " Kaise shaanti se baithun ? Ek jawan, khoobsurat , ladki ko aap ghari mein beitha ke le ja rahe hai …. destination ka pata nahi . Upar se aise ghur rahe ho jaise CID ka interrogation chal raha ho! Mera office dusre taraf hai and my house is ..”she paused suddenly “ then that means…”

She leaned toward him slightly “ Viraj…kahi aap hume Goel villa drop karne ka toh nahi soch rahe hai na? …Thik then hamari bhi koi self-respect hai. I agree that I did it wrong to hide the truth from you …and for that reason if you want to register a divorce.…

The car screeched to a halt.

“Utaro.” His voice was cold.

“ What ?" Her face etched with confusion

Prithvi's tone was direct " Gari se utro...warna main tumhe patak ke bhar phek dunga!” .

Her mouth fell open. “Kya?! Yeh mazaak hai? Aap toh gunde mawali ki tarah dhamki de rahe ho—mein manti hoon pati parmeswar hota hai, …magar patni ki bhi koi izzat hoti hai ”

“ Tumhari bakwas sunne mein nhi aaya hoon yahan …sidha Gari se utrogi ya mein…

His hand slipped into his coat . The gleam of his gun silenced her.

Sanyogita froze. “Viraj… gun?!”

She stared at the gun, then at him , clutched her bag to her chest. Hey Bhagwan! Yeh toh seriously mujhe Yamraj ke saath bhejne wale hai! She whispered in her mind.

But instead of pulling the trigger, he nudged the gun under her chin .

Her throat went dry. Her pupils dilated with fear .

His gaze swept over from trembling lips to her ivory neck, then her curve of her collar bones before snapping back to her blue-grey ocean eyes.

Prithvi's voice dropped with the evil tone “Bas, Sanjh. Aaj toh obituary likh hi di jayegi: ‘Bechari biwi, apne hi pati ke hatho…’

Her heart drummed so loudly she thought the steering wheel would start vibrating.

Then, without warning, the door clicked open. He withdrew the gun smoothly and gestured “ bahaar!"

While shaking, she stepped out . Her heart was still heaving . Suddenly she froze.

Before her towered a sleek glass building. The nameplate gleam: Agarwal Music Industry Pvt. Ltd.

Sanyogita's heart was pumping faster. She didn't know what to do. What ought she do? start dancing or cry with happiness? It took her a few minutes to reply to Prithvi..

" Viraj..yeh yahan ??" Her voice stammered

His gaze was steady, unreadable " Some voices are meant to reach the world " he said softly

Sanyogita shivered at his word , and stared at him.

“Goosebumps raced across her arms. He… he brought me here? “A rush of joy pricked her eyes.

For a heartbeat, she thought warmth flickered in his face until his next word dropped like a bomb.

"You owe me twenty crores . Only for you I cancelled one of the important meetings today…”

Her mouth fell open " What T- twenty CRORES ??""

" Jaldi jaldi nadar jaao nahi toh mein tumhe le kar wapas chala jaunga!" His tone was stone serious, but his eyes betrayed the faintest amusement.

Sanyogita nodded her head, her cheeks widened with a smile " Viraj...I'll repay all your money back to you one day "

He gave her a slow, impressive smile, the kind that could unnerve boardrooms. “Let’s see. Now go..”

Sanyogita smirks, then turns on her heels and almost runs inside. Her heart was soaring

Prithvi stood by his car, watching her. A soft chuckle escaped him. For all his anger, pride, and control, he knew one thing—

Her voice wasn’t just music. It was his

undoing.