Chapter: Held by Fear… or Something More?

Chapter: Held by Fear… or Something More?

The dining hall buzzed with soft chatter, clinking cutlery, and far too many knowing glances.

Sanyogita sat stiffly beside Prithvi, her spine straight, hands folded in her lap like a disciplined schoolgirl— while her cheeks remained a stubborn shade of pink. She barely lifted her head, afraid that even a glance might betray her thoughts.

Ishanvi noticed first. Her eyes flicked from Sanyogita’s flushed face to Prithvi’s unusually relaxed posture and then to the slight smirk playing on his lips.

Sanjeev and Varsha , along with the rest of the elders, had already finished their meal out of habit and headed for their bedrooms, while the remaining members were enjoying the meal with their siblings and cousins. However, Vardhan left , since Dhruvan clung to his father, feeling a little scared being alone in the newsroom.

“Hm,” Ishanvi hummed innocently. “Aaj mausam kuch zyada hi… garam lag raha hai, hai na?” (Today the weather seems a bit too… hot, doesn’t it?)

Pranav nearly choked on his water.

Soumya grinned, elbowing Pranav. “Haan , especially upar wale kamre mein.” (Yes, especially in the upstairs room.)

Sanyogita froze.

Prithvi calmly lifted his glass, took a sip, still holding onto his composure.

Pragya smirked, chewing slowly. “Waise bhabhi , how was your adventure of the haveli “ she paused then added slowly " especially swimming pool kaisa laga”

Sanyogita's pulse wobbled. Prithvi almost choked on his food.Those who knew about the incidents were struggling to suppress their laughter.

Neeraj's words dropped slowly . “Mujhe swimming…” His words left unfinished midway as Nidhi shouted, leaving him perplexed . “ Neeraj, how often have I said don't talk while eating? finish the food ; we have to wake up early.”

Neeraj cheeks were puffed up with anger , making him look like an innocent, angry cub .

Neeraj's cheeks were puffed up with anger, making him look like an innocent, angry cub. This time , Prithvi decided to ignore it despite being in such affection that he had forgotten his nephew.

A few curious looks turned toward them.

Meanwhile , Pranav leaned back in his chair, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Waise bhaiya…” he drawled, dragging the words. “ You both took quite a time upstairs tonight.”

Before Sanyogita could shrink further into her chair, Prithvi calmly placed his spoon down. The soft clink of metal was enough. He didn’t raise his voice or smile ; he simply looked at Pranav.

“Pranav ,” he said evenly, without breaking eye contact with him, “ Tomorrow is Pragya’s engagement party. Everyone has to give a proper speech, and as the brother of the bride, you have responsibilities too”

Pranav blinked. “…Ha..” his mouth gasped “Ji.. Bhaiya” he nodded like an obedient child.

Prithvi’s voice remained steady. “Toh phir dinner pe focus karo. Commentary baad mein kar lena.”

Pranav's jaw tightened but slightly.

The table went silent.

Soumya tried to recover. “Arre bhaiya, hum toh bas—”

Prithvi finally leaned back in his chair, one arm resting casually behind Sanyogita’s seat—not touching her, but claiming the space.

“Bas?” he repeated softly.

His tone wasn’t angry. It was far more dangerous than controlled. “Bas kaafi hota hai, Soumya”

Soumya’s jaw dropped. She felt a sudden warmth welling in her eyes . Pragya patted her shoulder to comfort her.

“ Bhaiya, …” Pragya said quietly “ We're just …

Prithvi cut her off “ Tomorrow is an important day. You need to get some rest, and being the youngest daughter of the Singhania family , all the attention will be focused on you .” his expression softened " And we all will be there with you.”

Pragya flashed a smile in response.

“ By the way, Mayank and Mr and Mrs Bansal have arrived in the guest house. If you want, you can meet him—but be careful that Dadaji and Dadima don't find out .”

Pragya's eyes were a pool of happiness. “ Thank you Bhaiya…I.mean, thik hai “

Prithvi smiles slightly.

Sanyogita watched the combination of Prithvi’s stern and soft sides . Her heart sank . She marveled at how carefully he handled the situation, stopped everyone from making her uncomfortable, and on the other side gave Pragya a delighted surprise.

She blinked once, and for the first time that evening , she ate peacefully

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The haveli had finally fallen silent. Distant lamps glowed dimly in the corridors, and somewhere far away a night bird called. Inside the bedchamber, the air felt… charged.

Sanyogita had just turned to go to the bed when suddenly—

Prithvi stepped forward. Not hurried . Not loud . Just there.

Her back met the wall with a soft gasp .

His arm came up beside her—not touching, never touching—yet caging her in completely. His presence swallowed her space, his warmth unmistakable.

Her heartbeat quickened, pounding wildly, her breathing betrayed her immediately.

He leaned closer, eyes darkened , as let out husky , teasing. “Toh… should we continue?”

“W-what—?” she stammered.

He tilted his head slightly, pretending to think. “Wohi,” he said softly. “Jo tum dining table pe sunte hue bhi sun nahi paayi thi.”

Her face turned crimson. She whispered, panicking.“Aap kya bol rahe hain—”

He leaned in just a fraction more, his voice dropping.

“Teen mahine ho gaye hai..,” he murmured. “Shaadi ko.”

Her fingers clenched at her sides.

“And yet,” he continued lightly, as if discussing the weather, “Humne apni first night… exactly celebrate hi nahi ki.”

Her breath hitched.

He watched it happen. Deliberately enjoying it. He lowered his voice further, teasing threading through every word.

“Toh mujhe bas yeh jaan’na tha…” His gaze flicked deliberately—from her eyes to her lips and then back. “Tumhara kya khayal hai?”

Sanyogita's heart was hammering wildly.“V-Viraj…” she whispered, clearly overwhelmed. “Aap aise—”

“Aise kaise?” he asked innocently.

She swallowed. “Aise… baat mat kijiye.”

A slow smile curved his lips. “Achha?” he said. “Toh kaise baat karni chahiye apni biwi se,.. batao?”

Suddenly she felt too weak to even stand before him, nervousness consumed her slowly.

He leaned closer, bringing his mouth near her ear , his lips almost touching there.

“Main toh sirf plan bana raha tha,” he added lazily. “Tum toh aise react kar rahi ho jaise—”

She cut him off, mortified. “Bas! Aap bahut per—”

“Pervet ?” he finished smoothly, clearly pleased.

“Wow,” he said, his hand coming to rest on the wall just above her shoulder. “Teen mahine mein doosra certificate. Proud moment hai, Sanjh.”

Her heart thudded so hard she was sure he could hear it.

“And tum…” he continued softly, eyes glinting, “Tum toh bahut innocent ho na?”

Sanyogita's throat bobbed.

He leaned in just enough that his breath brushed her cheek. “Phir itna ghabra kyun rahi ho?”

She shut her eyes for a second, utterly undone. “Viraj… please…”

That did it.

He chuckled—low, warm, and entirely dangerous . Then suddenly stepped back, freeing her completely.

She stumbled forward a fraction, disoriented.

“Relax,” he said gently now, turning toward the bed. “Don’t worry .”

She stared at him, stunned.

He paused, then looked back over his shoulder, eyes dancing.“Bas warning thi,” he added. “Agli baar jab darwaza band ho…” A deliberate pause.
“…main sirf baaton pe nahi rukunga.”

He switched off the lamp.

“Good night, Little Fox,” he murmured.
“Sweet dreams. Mujhe toh abhi se aa rahe hain.”

She stood frozen in the dim light, heart hammering, face burning—

********

Night wrapped the haveli in silver moonlight. The kind that cracked through empty corridors , whispered through carved jharokhas, and made even bravery rethink its life choices.

Sanyogita lay stiff on the bed. But sleep was far beyond her tonight. She stared at the high ceiling in the dark , eyes remained wide.

Hoooonk… hooonk…

A long, eerie cry sliced through the silence.

Her fingers clenched the bedsheet immediately. “Viraj ,” she whispered.

No response.

She turned her head slowly. He lay beside her, one arm under his head, eyes closed, breathing steady. Annoyingly peaceful.

Hoooooo—AAAAH—

She sat up with a gasp and clutched his arm. “Viraj!”

He opened one eye. Just one. Calm. Dead calm. “Yes.”his voice was groggy.

“Did you—did you hear that?” She whispered low, very low as if a dangerous creature was awaiting right behind the wall.

“Yes.”

Her mouth fell open. “How could you sleep so easily?”

a deep yawning escape from his mouth . “ Jackals howling those are”

He tossed on his side .

She blinked. “ What ?"

" Nearby forest and semi rural outskirts, they reside.” he said matter-of-factly. “ Come out in hang in night”

Another cry echoed—closer this time.

She yelped and buried her face in his shoulder.

Prithvi sighed.

“Relax,” he said calmly. “It won’t come inside.”

Her muffled voice came from his chest.

“How do you know ?”

“All the doors are closed , how could they come?”

The jackal screamed again.Louder.

Sharper.

Sanyogita’s grip tightened. “Agar darwaza khula ho toh?”

He opened his other eye and glanced around. The window. Half open. He stared.

She slowly lifted her head, followed his gaze—and froze.

“Viraj…” her voice shook. “what if they jumped inside over the main gate…”

He laughed at her remark. “ Sanjh…yaisa kuch nahi hoga!”

She watched him in awe for half a second—until another screaming broke through in the stillness.

HOOOOO—AAAH—

She screamed and almost jumped over him. “I’M GOING TO DIE.”

Prithvi stiffened. Not because of fear.

Because she was suddenly everywhere.He held her by the waist firmly, grounding her.

“Don’t panic, Kuch nahi hoga.”

“ No, ye haveli hai . Yahan sab kuch possible hai ." She retired back.

He looked at her. Calm. Unshaken. Then he said gravely—

“If anything comes inside—”

She gulped.

He said “—I’ll shoot it.”

She stared. “Aap jackal ko shoot karoge?”

He said “Yes.If it threatens you.”

Her heart skipped. Then immediately resumed panic mode. “But what if it’s possessed?”

He paused. Just for one second.Then—

“That will be unfortunate for the ghost.”

She slapped his chest. “Aap mazaak kar rahe hai!”

“No, I don't, ” he replied seriously. “Ghosts don’t scare me.”

She stared at him. “Toh phir aap ko kis cheez se dar lagta hai ?”

He looked down at her—eyes dark, voice low. “Tumhare cheekhne se.”

She froze. Then pat on his shoulder “ I'm serious"

Another jackal cry rang out.

She squeaked and clutched his shirt.

“Fine.”He assured her , adjusting his hold, pulling her closer, back against his chest now. One arm around her waist. Solid. Protective. “Sleep.”

She denied “I can’t.”

“Then stay quiet.”

She peeked up. “Aap pakka nahi jaoge?”

“No.”He nodded

“Promise?” her words sound innocent in the darkness.

“Yes,” he said firmly.

Another howl.

She shrieked and pressed her face into his neck.

He almost smiled at her attempt. Almost.

Instead, he tightened his hold slightly and murmured near her ear— “ Daro maat, …waise tumhe unse darne ki bilkul bhi zarurat nahi…” he teased , lightening the atmosphere" Woh toh tumhara hi community ke log hai…perhaps they were welcoming your arrival “

Silence followed.

Then — her hand dropped over this shoulder. “ Viraj ..” her words didn't sound angry instead amusing.

Her hand still reminded me of his shoulder groove. Prithvi was still holding her closer .. wrapping his arms around her as if she was fragile glass.

Minutes passed.

Her breathing slowed. Her grip loosened.

She fell asleep—wrapped safely in him.

Outside, the jackal cried again.

Prithvi opened his eyes. Annoyed.

“Overdramatic animal,” he muttered.

***********

Morning light filters through the window glass , brushing the room in shades of gold and amber.

Prithvi woke up first. He didn’t move immediately. Because Sanyogita was wrapped around him. Her arm lay across his chest, fingers curled into his night suit as if she feared he might disappear.

Her one leg was thrown over his, her forehead tucked into the hollow of his shoulder. Her breathing was slow, deep and peaceful.

A slow smile glinted in his lips . “ Little fox ,” he murmured quietly, more to himself, “jackals ka darr… ya mera saath zyada pasand aaya?”

She didn't respond, her body stirred slightly, tightening her hold unconsciously.

Prithvi’s smile widened. He shifted just enough to free one hand and brushed his thumb gently along her temple, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She frowned faintly in her sleep, nose scrunching adorably.

Then , he leaned down. His lips brushed her forehead softly. His lips linger there for a brief while .

She sighed , still in sleep.

His lips traced down , unhurried, with so much care along her hair then her temple.

“Sanjh,” he whispered, voice warm with amusement, “Good morning.”

Her lashes fluttered. Before she could fully wake, his lips found hers.

It wasn’t hurried. Not demanding.

Just a deep, unmissable good-morning kiss, slow and warm.

Her fingers tightened in his kurta instantly. That did it.

He pulled back just enough to look at her.

Her eyes opened—sleepy, startled, and far too close.

“…Viraj?” she whispered.

“Hmm?” he hummed, clearly pleased.

She suddenly realised where she was. How she was clung to his body, Her face turned scarlet.

She gasps at him, stunned. Her lips quivering..before she could utter —

His lips met again, this time it was deeper and more urgent.

Sanyogita's pulse wobbled, her hands instead of pushing him away remained frozen . Prithvi’s other hand lightly traced her waist, their breaths mingling. He bent slightly to brush his lips against her forehead, then her closed eyelids. A shiver ran down her spine.

His lips traced her cheeks and jawline slowly, deliberately, before capturing hers in a soft, exploratory kiss.

Sanyogita felt herself dissolve, as if gravity no longer applied. Her hands instinctively clutched his shoulders, her fingers digging in lightly. Prithvi’s hands moved with confident precision—one lifting her chin to deepen the kiss, the other sliding down her waist.

She began to respond, leaning into him, matching the rhythm of his lips.

The intensity built quickly, and Sanyogita’s mind spun—she felt dizzy, overwhelmed, consumed by sensations and desires she hadn’t expected.

They broke apart only for breathing. Her eyes fluttered gradually…Her hands pressed against his chest, trying to create space.

But Prithvi didn’t let her however . Instead, he wrapped his one arm securely around her waist, holding her exactly where she was.

“Arre,” he said lightly. “Ab kya hua?”

“Aap..” she protested weakly. “Last night —”

“Last night ,” he interrupted smoothly, eyes dancing, “tumne mujhe aise pakad rakha tha jaise main kahin bhaag jaunga.”

Her eyes widened. “Yeh… yeh sach nahi hai!”

He raised a brow. “Really —!”

Then he gently lifted her hand from his chest ; only to show creases of her fingers had left on his kurta. “Evidence,” he said smugly.

She gasped and tried to hide her face “ I didn't do anything intentionally..Jackals were howling last night..”

“ Yes ..yes ,” he nodded thoughtfully.
“That's why ..you stayed clung to me whole night”

She slapped his chest lightly. Her heart thudded. She tried again to sit up.

He didn’t stop her this time—only followed her movement, brushing his thumb over her wrist.

“Waise,” he added casually, “darwaza toh raat ko band tha.”

She froze.

He smiled slowly.“Toh darr kis baat ka tha?” he asked. “Jackals ka… ya iss baat ka ke tum mujhe chhodna nahi chahti thi?”

She couldn’t meet his eyes. “…Viraj,” she whispered, flustered beyond words.

He leaned in once more—just enough to press a gentle kiss at the corner of her lips. “Relax,” he murmured. “Main kahin nahi ja raha.”

Then, with deliberate mischief:“Par haan…” he smirked, “aaj raat agar jackals phir bole na—”

She looked up instantly.

“—toh tumhe excuse nahi milega,” he finished, laughing softly.

She stared at him , embarrassed, flustered, and helplessly smiling.

And Prithvi knew—

She hadn’t held him out of fear.
She had held him because she felt safe. And that… was a victory.

Then something caught her attention. A red mark on his neck. A cold shiver ran down her spine.

Sanyogita's eyes widened with shock — heat clogged in her cheeks .

Following her gaze he lowered his chin .

Her hand flew to his neck , it was then he saw the red mark on her finger tip.

“ Just…just remove it “ She stammered

His lips curled into a wicked smile. “ No, why should I. Mein to aisa aab bahar chala jaunga!” He slipped off the bed .

Sanyogita's footsteps were immediate, “Viraj!”

Before she could catch him , he slipped into the bathroom and shut the door tight.

Her voice rang through the door, half panic, half outrage. “Remove it. Abhi ke abhi! Yeh… yeh sindoor aapke galese”

She stopped short outside the bathroom door, fists clenched, cheeks already burning.

From inside, Prithvi’s amused chuckle floated out—lazy, dangerous. “Kyun?” he asked mildly. “Tumhara hi toh hai.”

She knocked sharply. “Darwaza kholiye!”

The lock clicked.

Before she could even inhale properly, a strong hand reached out, tugged her inside—and the door shut behind them with a soft thud.

Her back hit the wall. Not rough. Not gentle either.

Prithvi stood inches away, one arm braced beside her head, his presence overwhelming without touching her.

“Viraj chhodiye hume,” she whispered angrily, trying to sound stern. “Aap bahut besharam hain!”

He leaned in—still not touching—his voice dropping into that lethal softness that always unraveled her.

“Besharam?” He tilted his head, eyes glinting. *Sari raat kaun mujhe pakad ke so rahi thi,..tum?”

Her breath hitched.

“Mujhe ek inch bhi hilne nahi de rahi thi.. tum” he continued calmly. “Har thodi der mein meri shirt mutthi mein pakad leti thi… jaise main kahin bhaag jaunga?”

Her face turned scarlet.
“I—I was scared,” she blurted out.

“Achha?” He smiled slowly. “Toh darr ke maare meri baahon mein chain ki neend aayegi tumhe ”

He leaned closer now, his forehead almost brushing hers. “Waise…” he murmured, eyes flicking to her lips, “Sach batao, Sanjh…kal raat koi aur irada toh nahi tha tumhara?”

“Viraj!” She pushed at his chest, flustered, trying to step past him.

He didn’t let her. Instead, as she struggled, her elbow brushed the shower knob mistakenly.

The water came alive.Cold at first. Then warm. Within seconds, the quiet bathroom filled with the sound of rushing water and both of them were caught beneath it.

Sanyogita gasped as droplets soaked into her satin kimono nightdress, the fabric clinging instantly.

Prithvi froze for half a second. Then his gaze darkened.

“Well,” he said softly, almost amused,
“Aaj irada kya hai .. little fox ?”

She opened her mouth to retort—but he leaned down and pressed a kiss just below her ear , making her brain numb.Her breath shattered.

His lips traced her exposed neck, water sliding down both of them, his hands settling at her waist—firm, possessive, but still controlled.

His hand untied the lace of her coat. His fingers slide inside , rubbing over the damp fabrics.

Her fingers curled into his wet shirt without permission. For a heartbeat, she responded.

Then—

Something snapped her back to reality.

His lips brushed through the thin strap of her nighty.... gradually sliding down the coated cardigan which felt like a barrier between them.

“Nahi,” she said breathlessly, stepping back, eyes shining. “Aisa nahi ho sakta.”

She turned, fumbling with the door, and rushed out—heart pounding, soaked, confused, shaken.

The door closed behind her.

Prithvi stood alone under the shower, water dripping down his face, expression unreadable. Confused. Worried.And very aware that this was no longer just teasing.

Prithvi stood under the shower, letting the water cascade over him, but his mind was far from relaxed.

His ,...”Sanjh “had pushed him away. And yet… the memory of her shivering, soaked in satin, chest rising and falling against the spray, refused to leave him.

“She’s mine,” he thought fiercely, and yet she fights me at every step. I can’t… I can’t force her. Not her, not ever.

He ran a hand through his wet hair, trying to think of anything else, but every image of her—the small gasp, the wild eyes, the flush of her cheeks pulled him deeper into a storm of desire and guilt.

“ Akhir kya majboori hai , Sanjh ? Kyun tum , mujhe aapne kareeb aane nahi deti ?”

A sharp vibration from his phone reminded him of the world outside their heated, stolen moment. His grandfather had already assigned him the responsibility to oversee the evening’s arrangements for the upcoming function.

Duty. Always duty.

“Even now… she leaves me wanting. And I have to keep my focus on the hall, on guests, on rituals. But my mind… my mind isn’t there. It’s with her.”

He swallowed hard, letting the water rinse away the physical heat, though not the emotional one. He felt the ache of restraint gnawing at him, the tension of not knowing if she hated him for teasing her—or if, deep down, she craved it as much as he did.

Sanyogita stood outside the bathroom, still drenched, nighty clinging to her, chest heaving, and cheeks burning hotter than any embarrassment could justify. Her eyes filled with warm water.

“What… What am I feeling? she whispered to herself. He’s… he’s too much. Too close. Too… him. And yet… my heart—it’s racing like mad. And why does it scare me so much?

Her palms pressed to her cheeks, trying to cool the heat, but her mind replayed every teasing glance, every husky whisper, every brush of his fingers against her waist.

“I… I can’t think straight around him, she admitted quietly. And I don’t even want to think straight. But… Viraj… he’s my husband. I—

She shook her head, trying to push the storm away.
No. I can’t. I won’t give in. Not yet.

Her heart ached with longing and guilt in equal measure. She wanted to run… and yet she wanted to go back. She wanted to push him away… and yet she wanted him to chase her.

Why does everything have to be so complicated? she murmured, her voice trembling. Why can’t I just… stop feeling like this?