FF INTO THE DRAGONS DEN FULL STORY WITH PICS

INTO THE DRAGONS DEN

Scene 1

Garv entered Ananya's room.
He smirked inwardly with satisfaction, seeing fear pass over her face while his eyes followed her up and down.
Slowly he made his way towards her, she was rooted to the spot steeling herself to what might ensue in the next few moments.
But she had a plan.
His shadow enclosed them as he walked closer and closer to her, he drank in her sweet scent, watched her soft curls whip across her delicate features, surveyed her face intently. He softly told her 'today you're mine and no one else's' gently grazing her hair away from her face.
She took a step back but only drew him further in till he was inches before her.
She closed and opened her eyes, and replied 'I was waiting for you only'
She watched the look of slight surprise flash across his features just before she picked up a shard of glass on the nearby table behind her and drove it through him.
He was too quick, too strong. He grabbed both her hands as she struggled frantically against his strength, and pinned her against the stone wall. She squinted at the searing pain in her wrists as he tightened his hands stubbornly around them, digging his nails into her. He pressed against her, till their lips were within inches of each other, their breaths intermingled.
'You're pathetic' she said to him spitefully almost defying him to come close. His face contorted with rage, he pulled her arms up high and ran his hands through hers closing into a hard grip.
She felt the heat of him on her, as he pushed himself against her, his heavy breathing meeting hers, their lips brushing one another.
'You think you can outsmart me...You don't know the half of me yet Ananya.' He whispered, malice in his tone.

She pushed her heels onto his feet and used the chance to break free from his grip, but before she could get very far she felt his strong arms wrap around her and pull her in close. She desperately clinged onto his arms around her
'Don't even try it' he whispered into her ear. 'You'll never win in this game'. She felt his hot breath against her skin as he spoke these words.
She let out a sigh as he finally released her. She met his eyes alit with fury. He looked at her a while before turning on his heels and walking out, locking the door behind him and leaving her standing there.

Scene 2

Ananya stepped out of the wedding venue and traipsed through the long corridor, hands entwined, head lowered as she became lost in deep thought. How could she carry out her plan if it only raised his doubt of her? It had been a couple of nights back but he wouldn't forget how close she had been to injuring him, he didn't seem the sort to let things go easily. How could she convince him otherwise? He had switched from gentleness to fury in a matter of seconds, it terrified her a little that he could be so unpredictable. She would need to be careful with him considering how irritable he could be. In a fatal moment of irony, Ananya turned sharply around a corner clashing into none other than the devil himself. She gazed at him apologetically but he only furrowed his eyes and regarded her with slight annoyance. What are you doing up so late?' he growled.

I wanted to talk to you about that night'.

'You want to apologise, is that it?' He sneered.

She stiffened, and tried her best meek and submissive tone 'Yes. Look I don't wish to quarrel with you. Any of you. I have accepted my fate and accepted you as my husband.' While saying these last few words, she looked into his eyes and he began to lean in slightly transfixed by her sweet face.

That familiar look of pride and superiority she was so used to seeing returned as he raised an eyebrow and examined her attentively. He smirked as he took in her words. She hadn't mentioned the others, only him, and it intrigued him immensely. The thought was quickly shunned. She looked at him expectantly but all he said was, 'Fine', before heading off toward his room.

Scene 3

All was silent in the mansion. Unnaturally silent. Ananya set two cups of teas on the tray and set off towards their rooms. The doors flung open as she made her way in, stepping lightly over the threshold into their quarters announcing her arrival in standard Thakur style. She found them huddled close together in bed and it made her smile inside. the youngest was the first to leap out of his covers as if he had seen a ghost.
'Good morning', chirped Ananya, she offered them a bright smile.
Amar followed suite and straightened himself as he got out of the bed watching her warily
She looked in bemusement at Samar as he desperately tried to cover himself up. The impression that her presence had on them gave her a bit more confidence. they stood ackwardly while Ananya looked at them with a humorous gleam in her eyes.. Samar continued to look abashed, knitting his eyebrows in evident annoyance.
'Who gave you permission to enter our room?' Amar broke the silence.
'I don't need permission as your wife, it's my right to be here'' she replied with a pleasant smile. They followed her with their gaze as she looked about their room, she walked daintily towards their bedside table placing the tray on top, then walked back to stand before them holding out their cups. Samar grew conscious again as his sheet was slipping from his bare chest and he quickly yanked it up.
'Your tea'. She handed one to Amar who returned to his usual savage arrogance,
'How impressive dulhaniya, you are learning how to be a wife very well', he said bringing the cup to his mouth while examining her with an odd mixture of menace and admiration.
Don't worry Amar Thakur, this is all a facade, she thought.. But merely smiled at him. she then handed the other cup to Samar and bent down to touch his feet. The confusion that marked his face as she rose gave her contentment. She did the same to Amar and was amused to see him instinctively reach out a hand to bless her.
'When you've finished drinking your tea, come down for your breakfast, which I've prepared myself'. She gave them her sweetest smile, blinking innocently, and clasped her hands together, before leaving their room.The twins were left speechless and gave a glance in each others direction., Samar raised his eyebrows while Amar smirked and they thought nothing more of it.

Her next victim was the eldest brother, she called for him trying to raise her voice above the sounds of the running shower. Steam slowly filled the bedroom settling into droplets on the window. She scanned his room to identify the continuous buzzing noise and found his phone lying on the bed. Busy man, she thought. She took a peek at his mobile wondering who might be texting so early, and found a rather surprising message, that struck her curiosity. She noted down the number hastily and replaced the mobile just before he stepped out of the bathroom. He was drying off and stopped midway as he saw her.
'What are you doing in my room?'
He said abruptly as though her visit was an unwelcome interruption to his routine.
'I made you some tea'
She offered it to him and he took it with some reluctance. Adharsh had an air of impatience about him such that she chose not to beat about the bush. She fell to his feet and he backed away. 'What are you doing?' he said agitatedly.
'My duty as a daughter-in-law.'
'There's no need for it' a growing weariness in his tone.
You mean just like there was no need to marry me...She thought and yet here we are..
'On the contrary bade Thakur. After all I am your wife and it's your mothers orders that I fulfil those responsibilities.' She rose and smiled pleasantly.
He studied her face with a flicker of distrust in his expression.
'When you are done come downstairs, I have made your breakfast.' She said gracefully, and left.
Adharsh furrowed his brow in confusion, flopped onto his bed and glanced at the ceiling with the buzz of his mobile in the background.

Ananya approached the 4th brother, with slight trepidation. She wasn't sure what to expect from him, he was a bit of a mystery to her compared to the others...
She found him in the hall, tirelessly working away through his morning push ups, his bare chest glimmered with sweat, eyes focused on a point ahead of him.
She watched him a while reluctant to disturb the state of absorption that was apparent in his unperturbed, distant expression.
He slowed down and came to a stop, in acknowledgement of her presence and cast a hard stare in her direction fixing his eyes stubbornly on her as she came into his view. Quite unlike his other brothers he met her with less coldness as he stood up to greet her in silence though this judgement was thrown aside within seconds.
'I made you some tea', she began.
He was quiet, and did not reciprocate her at all, she would have welcomed even the harshest comment from him anything to break the eerie silence that ensued as he fixed her with an indiscernible stare.
'Let me know if you want something different to your brothers.'
He gave her nothing.
'No?'
No response.
'Ok I will make the same thing for you as I have made for your brothers', she said politely turning to leave. Just as she did, he gripped her arm making her stop in her tracks.
Uh oh, I hit a nerve, she thought. Was he that sensitive? She stepped back into his sight trying not to betray her apprehension of him as he kept a tight hold onto her arm and fixed her a hard challenging stare. She involuntarily cast her eyes away from him while his eyes travelled down her and he swallowed his hatred, fighting an urge to damage her soft delicate skin under his..he eventually relaxed his hold on her.
'Whatever you've done for Ma I ought to thank you for', Ananya noticed his warm smile. He was doing well not to betray even the slightest hint of the grudge he held deep within himself for her.
Ananya smiled sweetly,
'The master need not thank the servant'
His face softened she noted, with a kindliness sparkling from his eyes.
'You aren't a servant, you are the Bahu of the house' he remarked gently.
'The world may see it that way but the fact is that I was married only to be of service to the 5 of you' she said solemnly.
She continued, 'The crime of a servant is that they have no desire, right or choice' she looked away sadly and then back at him.
Garv broke the eye contact and quickly said, 'Why do you say that? Listen, why don't I show you around, give you a proper tour of our mansion?' He gestured upwards and met her look again,
'That way you'll see that as much as you care for us, we care for you that much too'.
She could have sworn that she had detected a glint of malice in his eyes that if it were not for the underlying softness with which he spoke these words she would have been tempted to hurriedly leave his presence.
'Come on' he switched his mood in an instant grabbing her arm roughly but she stopped him before he could pull her any further.
'Dont give me false hopes Garv Thakur, you won't be able to maintain them'.
He slowly released her arm and looked at her with a furrowed expression.
'Once this fast is over, you 5 will be able to share me between you to fulfil your needs''.
She paused to allow the effect of her words to linger on his conscience. Her tears fell of their own accord and she wiped them away smiling solemnly. He was looking away as if disturbed by the femininity of emotional based irrationality that confronted him.
'I am serving the punishment of my crimes but what I don't understand is why you all are being punished too?'
He frowned. 'What do you mean?
'You and your brothers will never receive the love afforded to you that a husband might get from a loving wife'. She elaborated; 'I am one person, I wont be able to provide that love. The spirit in me has died and all that is left is a lifeless body'. Her voice faded out as she echoed these last words.
He appeared to be moved by her words as he listened intently; is that pity I see in your eyes?
'But I will do my duty as a wife' she finished.
She knelt down like a defeated prey and took his blessings while he stood frozen in spot. She rose tears brimming her eyes, he followed the fall of her tears as they descended down her cheek and almost leant in to her fixated by her fragility. She dashed away back to whence she came, her long hair flying behind her as she ran.
He kept his eyes on her till she vanished around the corner. He stood rooted to the spot, unable to process what had just happened. He walked to the table, picked up a glass of water, and threw it over his face falling into silent contemplation.

Brother number 5: her next target. As she walked to his room she pondered over what had just unfolded. Garv perplexed her in many ways. There were moments she recognised a feeling akin to empathy, but why would he care for her so much? It didn't make sense, he hardly knew her to occasion any pity on her account. She refused to admit to her real feelings for him even though he aroused those feelings of uncertainity and dread not just when he came close to touching her but also in the ominous tone, veiled by an outer tenderness with which he talked to her. She didn't know what to make of him, yet she had sensed an air of danger about him that she didn't feel with the others.. Her curiosity was piqued and she resolved to figure him out more. As it were, her plans to reel him to her side seem to be taking some positive turn in her favour. This game was looking promising..

She rapped on pati number paanch door and entered to find him lounging in a chair. He was too engrossed in reading his paper that he hardly noticed Ananya enter. He jumped as he felt soft hands touching his feet. Ananya maintained her composure watching his startled expression with inward glee. He gazed up at her with rather innocent eyes, only she knew how deceptive these eyes could be..
'What are you doing?' He demanded.
'I am fulfilling MT orders as a daughter-in law.' She replied in dignified confidence.
She set the tray with biscuits on the table and busied herself in making his bed. Men, she thought.. Adharsh was the only one brother who had taken effort to do a good job, she couldn't speak for Garv not having been in his room.
'What game are you playing?' No answer
'Look Im not going to fall for your drama' he said, raising his voice
Ananya tuned him out and continued to bustle about with folding his sheets.
He threw his paper down in frustration and stood before her.
'Look you better drop this 'husband-serving innocent ideal wife act.' She refused to dignify him with an answer
'I know exactly who you are, ok.' She remained mute to his desperate attempts as he hammered her with his incessant talk. 'I have kept a close watch on you since that day of marriage.'
'You better be listening' She continued bustling about with the sheets ignoring his rising tones.
He snatched the sheets from her and threw them angrily onto the bed.
She simply shrugged off his rather lousy attempts and threw him a look of disbelief at his insistent childishness before returning to refolding the bedsheets.
'You're listening aren't you?!'
Ananyas stubborn silence pervaded further aggravating Shakti as he grabbed hold of her arm. He needed her validation even if it was only to rebuke his actions for whatever he did. Anything from her to shatter the horrid silence between them.
She returned him a questioning look making him look away.
'You force me to look at you and then look away,' she said tilting her head slightly. ''Just like your fake love'..he furrowed his eyes in irritation and turned to face her again as if defying her statement.
She flashed him a harsh smile, shook her head, and moved away leaving him to deal with that thought. He followed her to the wardrobe and challenged her once more
'Why are you doing all this? What will you gain from it?'
'Well?' He implored as she settled into blanking him out again
'Im asking you a question!' his tone growing increasingly impatient.
'A servant has no right to talk in this house and no right to listen either', she peered directly into his questioning eyes without smiling and instantly changed her mood,
'Quickly get yourself ready, I have made breakfast for you all', she smiled at him much too sweetly and walked pass him with a grace while quietly shutting the door behind her. It was only a few steps she took before she heard the crashing and clattering sounds of what could have been the tray and its contents that was left for him.. Too easy Shakti Thakur, far too easy. She smirked hearing more crashes erupting his room and left the hall in silence.

Scene 4

CLANG

The hustle and commotion of dumbbells and the deep voices of
the Thakur brothers emanating from downstairs made Ananya jolt up in bed. She
veered her head toward the door. This new adjustment would take time getting
used to ... the sleep she had taken for granted when living alone with her
father had never felt so precious to her as it did now; her dear father, how she sorely
missed his gentle reassuring voice that she would listen to just before falling
asleep every night...

CLANG

The early clamour that came with living in a house with 5 men each
with their own morning rituals overwhelmed her a bit. They were lost in their
own world when they worked out, throwing taunts at each other, bragging and
spurring each other on, their competitive streak in full swing. She couldnt tell whether they were deliberately creating a racket after she had intruded into their quarters, for today they were up exceptionally early. She found herself becoming curious by the uproar of voices that boomed from downstairs and crept out onto the balcony to watch them below.

The Thakurs brotherliness were never more apparent than in the early hours of the morning where they would convene together in their daily rumble disguising their affection for one another through displays of manhandling and tussling. Shakti and Garv were locked in an intimate wrestle while the other brothers egged them on. They wore tight vests, their bodies glistening with the sweat of their hard work out. They came tumbling onto the floor, Garv taking the hit while grappling with his brother's weight over him.

'Kaa hua beh? Not enough food on your plate already?!' he jibed

'Ehhh! You dare call me fat, you're the one who eats 3 meals a day and you manage to eat all our leftovers on top of that. Anyway I see what you're trying to do, you think you're smart don't you Garv babu' he grinned seeing the effect his words had on his hot-tempered brother who only scowled back.
In a fleeting instant Garv mustered his body strength overturning his brother who now squirmed beneath him.

'I am, I don't need to think' he grimaced back.

The brothers laughter echoed around the hall, Garv grew annoyed and aimed a punch towards Shakti narrowly missing him as he swiftly turned over and lifted himself up. Garv rose and regained his breath, challenging him to another tackle but
Shakti expressed his exhaustion and dropped onto the nearby armchair. The 3 others were
warming down too, they wiped their sweat with the towels before slouching themselves upon
the other chairs. Ananya scanned the scene of the aftermath; they looked oddly
serene as they relaxed on their armchairs. Her eyes fell on Shakti who yelled;
'Don't disturb me Garv, Im taking a nap' before throwing a towel over his face, her face fell blank. She then veered to watch Garv who was advancing on his brother, a queer look marked his face, Was it envy? She couldn't tell.. Amar and Samar leapt out of their armchairs and were headed upstairs for their shower just when Garv called after them. 'Run my shower after you are done'. They looked at each other and Amar replied 'as you wish bade bhai', they jolted up the stairs in the opposite direction to where Ananya stood.
Garv drifted over to the weights, returning to his former activity. She watched with wonder the slick movements of his arm muscles as he slowly lifted the weight in his left hand, then switching to his left and alternating every few minutes. He persisted for a while and then came to a stop. He pulled his vest off revealing his well-toned, muscular chest and moved onto the next equipment. She beheld with interest the flexing of his muscular movements as he heaved himself up holding onto a metal bar and moved down steadily. His eyes were etched in concentration and he fixated on a point straight ahead of him, she caught a glint of madness from the sunlight that came streaming in..Ananya shuddered as a hand tapped her from behind. She turned to meet Soni's warm countenance.

'Ananya, theres breakfast downstairs, Ive just prepared it, will you be joining us?
''Of course, just let me get ready first' Soni nodded, smiled and left to busy herself with laying out the table. She was just about to leave herself when she spotted Amar and Samar walking on the terrace opposite, they were holding two buckets full of water and positioned themselves in line with Garv. They nodded to one another, mischief glowing in their eyes, Amar shouted ' you wanted your shower' followed by Samar; 'heres your shower' Ananya gasped as she watched them drop the buckets of water till their brother was completely doused.

He looked in their direction and sprinted up the stairs but slipped half way. Ananya burst out with laughter as she watched Garv who was desperately trying to find his footing. He swerved around and met her eyes, fuming. She looked away trying to compose herself and realised with dread that he was making his way to her as he came from the stairs onto the balcony. Before she could
make an escape like the twins had, Garv had her cornered. Her heart pounded as he closed in on her, she clung onto the handrails behind her to steady herself as he drew nearer and nearer, he gripped the rails beside her. She squinted to meet his keen eyes that was taking her in, and quickly turned her face away as he closed the gap between them.

'I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you' she spluttered out.

He smirked and said to her gently 'When you make an apology you should look me in the eyes, then I will know you are telling the truth'. She did as he bid and apologised once more trying not to flinch from his piercing gaze. He said nothing, only continued to gaze at her, his eyes burning into hers as if seeking her out. She could feel his body heat consuming her, he never looked more intimidating especially in bare flesh. She felt unsettled by how so close they were, felt his crushing weight as he pressed closer. Just as he was about to slide his hands over hers she managed to draw her arms up in front of him and pushed him aside before he could do anything further. He obliged her to escape, following her with a dangerous look, watching as she stepped into her room, a flicker of guilt passed over her face before the doors closed on him.


Scene 5

Scene 5

Ananya exhausted herself searching every nook and cranny in her room. She was fully certain that she had placed the note jotted down from Adharsh mobile in her bedroom drawer. Someone had found it and was keeping dreadfully quiet about it...She had sat at the breakfast table that morning straining to read any trace of suspicion in their faces. They gave her nothing and were in their usual rush to head out for what she assumed was 'business' to sort out. She was living with goons, it was a harsh reminder of the undesired life she had stumbled into. Although, it was kind of heartening seeing them training together in the morning seemingly so content in each other's company yet she quickly relinquished that feeling on realisation that this was all real, the weapons they used to fight were real, and it gave her a rather queasy feeling in the pit of her stomach.
She had made their milk and teas as usual and was searching for them, she followed the racket of noises from the hall and made her way there hidden from their view. She watched Adharsh making quick work of the long wooden stick with his two youngest brothers, Garv and Shakti moved into her line of vision. Shakti was whirling the wooden staff in both hands with a dexterity, but Garv was agile and effortlessly ducked Shakti before he launched his own attack on him. Shakti swerved just in the nick of time and upturned his stick. He grinned in victory much to Garvs annoyance. But Garv merely said
'Bravo Shakti you are learning from the best after all'.
'What. Are you afraid to concede defeat?' He mocked, and smirked as he watched Garv face straining hard in attempt to veil his anger.
'Even the best has to lose sometimes, besides I had to let you win eventually so don't get ahead of yourself Chote'' he said condescendingly. The other brothers glanced at one another in amusement.
'Kya, kya?! Let me win? Tum bhi..' He trailed off.
Ananya watched the arrogance return in Garvs face.
'What don't you believe me?' Garv curled his lip as he watched the unaffected Shakti cooling down with the towel.
He realised with growing vehemence that Shakti was concealing a laugh behind his towel. Garv lunged himself onto him throwing him roughly against the floor. The others burst out laughing, Samar exclaimed

'Hey short-circuit! Don't wear yourself out, it's not his fault that you lost the tackle' He eyes glinted in mischief. Garv leapt up and wrapped his arms in a tackle around the youngest brother who was about to dash off and brought him tumbling onto the floor.
'You want a piece of the action too do you' Garv heaved.
Ananya watched in disbelief, their tussles could get so wild and out of control she wondered how they had not managed to seriously physically injure each other yet. Above that the brothers took pleasure in taunting Garv, he was too easy a target, and yet that didnt seems to bother them even when he roughly manhandled them.
'You are getting to cocky for your own good Chote, too much spoiling from Ma'
He finally released him and stood up leaving him writhing on the ground. Amar slapped a hand on his shoulder
'Nice work, I've been meaning to tell him that. Saale, walks around like he owns the place'.
Samar glowered, and Shakti grabbed his hand to pull him up. He ruffled his hair and said 'he's just a pup, naturally he will get the most spoiling'. Shakti grinned at Samar as he continued to pout from his brothers' abuse.
Adharsh was lounging back the whole time on a chair watching the drama unfold between his brothers, a lazy smile on his face while he chugged down a glass of beer.
Ananya made her entry at that point and posed the tray onto the table. They abruptly stopped and eyed her. She smiled warmly at them 'I have made your milk and tea'. It was as if they had forgotten they had a wife. The disconcerting silence prevailed as she handed them each their mug and they took it without saying a word. They followed her as she scanned the floor where their shirts were recklessly discarded, and sought to picking them up
'Breakfast is ready, the table is laid. I'll join you shortly after doing the laundry'. She turned to leave but was stopped by Garv who gripped her wrist,
'Wait' he let go of her wrist and drew his vest over his head handing it to her, she averted her eyes from him as she took the vest in her hand while he examined her in earnest, Shakti and the twins followed their brother and towered over her till she felt suffocated by their close proximity. She threw them a dignified look and tried to slip past but was blocked by Garv and Shakti. There was an interval of dead silence, they surveyed her intently, devouring the panic that betrayed her in her eyes.

'Let me go.' She said firmly. Garv curled his lip while Shakti threw her a look of suspicion. They obliged and slowly parted to let her through never taking their eyes off her. She gave Adharsh an ambiguous look as she walked past him and left the hall.

Scene 6

Ananya roamed the dim lit corridors pacing back and forth restless from the dilemma she faced. The rain lashed against the windows. She paused veering her head in the direction. She felt sick with apprehension. As Ananya looked out of the window reflecting on the mornings events she wondered whether Adharsh had retrieved the note..he hadnt come across as being especially suspicious of her. She knitted her hands fretting on what to do. Drifting along the corridor with her head bent in worry, she hadn't noticed a visitor slinking in from the gloom, and as she turned on her heel she bashed right into Samar while jolting back from the collision. He eyed her curiously not saying anything. After an interval of silence Ananya questioned him,
'What are you doing up so late?'
He didnt reply, only gave her a wicked smile. Ananya realised with a sinking dread what was happening, she swivelled around to find Amar followed by Garv appear from the dark on the other side of the corridor. Garv gave her a devilish smile a trace of hatred formed in the curl of his lips.

'What do you want?' Ananya tried to sound firm in spite of herself. Garv and Amar grinned at each other and looked at her before rounding in on her. She looked behind, they were cornering her from all sides and she felt as trapped as a deer among a pack of lions.
'I think you know why we are here Ananya' Amar said insidiously. She backed up as they made her way towards her, until she bumped into whom she thought was Samar only it wasn't him but Shakti whose shadowy countenance she met as he turned her round roughly to face him.

'Dont you know better than to lie to us Ananya'.
She scoffed. 'I learnt lying only from you Shakti' she rebuffed with newfound vigour.
He narrowed his eyes and pushed her away from him till she clashed against Garvs chest. The contact of her silky tresses and slender hands against his bare skin revived within him a feeling of warmth.. she drew away from him in an instant and looked up at him, a flash of mischief glinting in his eyes. He spoke softly and measuredly,
'Ananya you know you can't run from us' he edged closer to her as she backed away.
He took her hand in his but she pulled away.
'Don't come closer'
'Or what?' Garv challenged. She drew a deep breath and looked at him adamantly
'Just leave me be'
''That won't ever happen Ananya' he said quite gently, a malicious glint lingering in his stare.
She looked about desperately but was trapped on all corners as they circled around her like a pack of hungry eagles.

'Why dont you just admit it Ananya, save us the time,' Samar said in impatience
She feigned ignorance and tried to prolong the useless chatter.
'I don't know what you're talking about.'
'Oh really?' Shakti quipped.
It was dawning on her why they were playing games with her- they had found the note, had sensed her fear and were intimidating her, trying to extort truth from her own mouth.
She felt overwhelmed as they closed in around her. Suddenly, Garv lost his patience and grabbed her by the neck pushing her roughly against the door away from the gang. His strong hand tightened around her throat causing her to fight desperately against his grip, she started to feel faint and was faltering under his stubborn hold.
'I .. cant .. breathe' she stammered. He loosened his hand and tenderly brushed her hair way from her face, a moment of stark contrast from his rough handling of her not seconds before. 'Don't get cute Patniji, we are onto you' he said softly, she slid to the floor in exhaustion trying to regain her breath. He followed her down and brushed his fingers across the nape of her neck, turning her face to look at his.
'Do anything smart and you will be in for a lot' ' he whispered, brushing his thumb across her cheek.
'Do you understand?' The hostile tone veiled in his soft voice made her recoil as he let his fingers rest on the side of her face.
'Yes' she sighed in breathlessness shrinking away from his icy stare and casting her head down. Her submissive tone stirred a desire in him and he leaned closer to her hypnotised by her fragility and femininity, his shadow enclosed them and she felt his mouth within inches of hers till Shakti intervened.
'Get up Anaya', he said irately pulling her by her hair. Garv scowled at Shakti as he drew her to her feet, and flung her into the middle again.
'Who is Bhavna?'
Amar approached her and lifted her head up and said 'My brother asked you a question, you had better answer or things will get worse'.
Ananya sniffed and solemnly said
''Let it get worse, I want to see how far you are willing to go. Go ahead, ruin my honour, and do your mothers duty'' She became emboldened again watching their faces grow in startlement. Tears welled up in her eyes but she glared defiantly at them all.
'Well, why are you hesitant, go on, indulge your fancies, I only exist to fulfil your needs'.
Garv drew out his gun and pointed it at her.
'Shut your nonsense' his temper slowly flared up, anger etched his handsome face. Shakti had looked away and the twins were shifting awkwardly on their feet. Only Garv approached her
'Remember you are our wife, you ought to learn to speak like one'. He relaxed his hold on the gun, parting her hair from her face with it and lightly brushed it across her bottom lip, while he surveyed her for her reaction, before letting his arm fall beside him.
'Don't test our patience Ananya, you have no idea what we are capable of.' The underlying threat concealed in his hushed tone made her flinch. On this saying he turned on his heels and stormed out, his siblings closely following him, Shakti glanced back at her with an indeterminate look. She only looked on at him listlessly before they disappeared around the corner.
She needed to protect this girl whoever she was, the brothers already had their doubts and she knew they wouldn't hesitate to get rid of her. Without Adharsh as their leader Garv was the next in line his influence on his brothers could be dangerous. With growing panic she realised that they could easily track the girl down. She had to confront Adharsh now. She wasn't worried about facing MT wrath, maybe he was but this was about a girls safety, another life would be pointlessly lost all for the sake of the twisted principles that was ruled by Begusarai's mad queen Maa Thakurain.

Scene 7

The brothers waited in the murky warehouse. Garv glanced at Shakti
'Do you think it will work?' Shakti nodded
'Have patience, she will come if she values his life that much'
No sooner had he finished his words when the doors burst open and a girl dashed into the warehouse looking frazzled, her hair bangs fell against her face as she came to a stop in her tracks. Shakti smirked and one by one the brothers stepped forward into her vision. She was shivering.

'Wheres Adharsh?' she said scanning the room
Shakti approached her as she looked inquiringly into his eyes. There was an innocence in them, it didn't make the task any easier for him.
'So you are the girl we have been assigned to kill.' He said with an unnerving calm.
'Kill? Who..who are you all? Where's Adharsh?' she said shakingly
Garv stepped forward and took her hand.
''Bhavna is it?' He said glancing at her ring, '.. So you're married?' He raised an eyebrow.
The girls hand trembled in his and she retracted it while looking at them all frightfully. Garv drew closer looming over her.
'Dont be afraid, we aren't going to kill you' he said in a soft whisper. Her face grew pale. She wasn't convinced of course and looked about helplessly.
'Dont frighten her, poor bechari.' Shakti said sarcastically. He proceeded towards her causing her to back away a few steps.
'We will let you go as long as you behave' he said intimidatingly. She veered left in an attempt to escape but was immediately blocked by Amar and Samar.
'Please let me go, I plead you' she said hands clasped together.
Amar looked at her up and down, 'Such a pretty lass, a bit young to be with child though'. Bhavna looked at him in alarm,
'How do you know about my child?' She quivered. Shakti raised his gun and pointed it at her.
'Listen ladki, we are the ones asking the questions here not you'. She stumbled back as they advanced on her the others slowly drew out their guns and held them pointedly to her.
'How long have you known Adharsh?' Shakti enquired.
'If I tell you will you tell me where he is?' she replied cautiously. In a split second Garv dragged her by the nape of her neck and shoved the gun against her cheek.
'Dont ask questions just answer us quickly' he said in a husky tone. She squinted her eyes in pain as held her forcibly.
'Please let me go, I haven't done anything to offend you' she implored. Garv lowered his gun resting it onto her collarbone.
'We will be the judge of that..' He pushed her away forcing her to fall backwards into Amar who held her round her waist with one arm while pointing the gun at her neck with the other.
She was aware of his face lightly brushing against hers from behind. She squirmed in his hold and kicked about, trying to wrench herself free from him.
'My god you're a feisty one, just like our lovely wife'.
'Are Amar tu chup beh' commanded Garv. He walked up to her and yanked her hair back.
'You aren't leaving until you provide us with answers.'
'I don't have to prove anything to you' she stammered. He glared at her before wrenching her away from Amar and slammed her with force against a barrel, her back to him while keeping a firm grip round the back of her neck. He pushed her face against the barrel with his hand.
'Do you not understand or will I have to make you understand laundiya?' he whispered dangerously, into her ear.
The door was thrust open at that moment as Adharsh burst in, Ananya emerged from behind him. Bhavnas face lit up at his sight. Before she could say his name, Adharsh pulled her from Garv and closed his hand over her mouth. She searched his eyes with a enquiring look. Garv and Shakti sneered
'So the hero arrives in grand entry' quipped Garv.
Adharsh threw his brothers a look of disgust, secretly fearing what could have happened if he came any minute late.
'No need to put on an act anymore, the secrets out, we know the score' Shakti jeered.
Adharsh loosened his hand over Bhavna and took her face in his hands, pressing his forehead against hers.
'Forgive me Bhavna, I'm here now, nothing will happen to you.'
Garv clapped.
'Wow bade bhaiya, what a romantic you turned out to be' he chimed mockingly.

He handed Bhavna to Ananya and walked over to Garv slapping him hard across the face.
'How dare you touch my wife' he said pointing an accusing finger at him.
Shakti looked at him incredulously. 'Wife?' Garv glared at Adharsh.
'Yes, you were just gloating how you have figured it out weren't you? Well here she is, my wife, which means she is your Bhabhi'.
Amar scoffed; 'Not to us she isn't, we don't have relations with women, or have you forgotten what Ma told us.'
Shakti looked at his older brother in disbelief.

'How could you? You were frolicking all this time with this girl, and had enough nerve to rebuke me my feelings for..' He broke off realising what he had just said. Ananya flushed and looked curiously at Shakti.

Adharsh ignored him and continued;
'I wasn't frolicking ok, I love this woman so I married her, I am tired of hiding, of feeling guilty for loving a woman.' Ananya was struck by Adharsh words, Bhavna simply gazed at her husband in reverence. The brothers were still stunned and rooted to the spot.
'Who did you think she was?' Ananya questioned. 'Your brother has found real love and instead of celebrating it you berate him for it? Why is it such a crime to love a woman other than your own mother?!' she said exasperatedly.
'You leave Ma out of this Ananya.' Shakti said quickly casting his eyes aside as she looked at him. 'Anyway it's not that but the fact that he lied to us all these years' Shakti said through gritted teeth.
'You are a disappointment to Maa, she will be hurt by this' he said fixing a cold look at his older brother.
'How could you lie to us?' Samar said.
'Because I know how influential Ma is and one of you would rat me out out of your loyalty to her'. Adharsh declared.
Throughout this time Garv remained ominously quiet. Ananya looked in his direction realising he had been watching her the whole time. He gazed inscrutably at her, a shadow crept over his face and she caught a glint of fury in his eyes. She promptly averted her eyes from him. Garv broke his silence and walked right up to Adharsh speaking menacingly.
'If you weren't my older brother you would be begging for mercy from what I would've done to you and your precious wife.. don't expect any royal treatment for her from us, she may be your wife but she has no relation to us whatsoever'. He pushed past Adharsh and stopped by Ananya. He threw her a look of pure hatred before storming out. Shakti shook his head at Adharsh and followed suite avoiding Ananyas gaze with Amar and Samar on his trail. Adharsh and Bhavna fell in each others embrace while Ananya watched the other brothers vanish into the distance and was left alone in her thoughts. This was not good. Not good at all.

Scene 8

Steam was starting to form on the glass doors. Hot enough. Garv stripped off his outer layers and stepped in. He ran his hands over his chest and through his hair as the water came cascading down. He closed his eyes against the rush of the water, allowing his thoughts to drift over the night's events. She had outright lied to him pretending to not know the girl and ultimately spoiled his plan to get rid of her... But more than that he hadn't forgotten the look that she had exchanged with Shakti in the warehouse. He had seen something akin to awe flash across her face at Shakti's words. Garv pummelled his fists against the wall in furious rage and breathed heavily.

He brooded on it further, ignoring the increasingly scalding heat of the shower as the glass doors steamed up quickly. After a while absorbing the heat, his hand crept onto the dial and slowly switched it to off before retrieving his towel and wrapping it into a tight knot around his waist. He walked into his bedroom ruffling the excess water from his hair and flicking his head back. A knock at his door.

'Come in' he said.

Bhavna appeared at the threshold before him standing timorously. His eyes gleamed dangerously at her.

'What brings you here?' he said brusquely regarding her with a look verging on loathing.

She shrunk from his gaze and lowered her head in attempt to avoid the improper sight of him clad in nothing but a towel around his waist.

'Please, consider your brother, he loves you. He has done so much for you, please don't break your relationship with him for my sake.' She mumbled gingerly.

'I thought I gave you enough warning laundiya, get out of my sight.' She flinched at the bitterness of his manner.

'I don't care that you haven't accepted me into the family, but don't shut Adharsh out of your life, he needs you.' The faint tremor in her voice did nothing to mask the wave of fear that overpowered her. She tried to steel herself against the contemptuous look that met her and kept her rooted in place while a silence ensued. Garv strode up to her, his shadow enfolding them.

'Look laundiya, in this house you are just another woman, you better lock your door at night if you are at all concerned about your safety. You don't want someone to take advantage of your innocence.' He offered her a most bewitching smile, and the aggressive undertone veiled within his soft voice made her recoil.

At that he slammed the doors shut and walked back to his bed.

Garv sat down with lowered head while running both his hands through his damp hair, and looked up slowly at his reflection. His thoughts dwelled back on Ananya. It was her fault this family was breaking apart. Had she not intervened he would have killed that girl but it was too late now that Adharsh had openly claimed her as his wife. All her fault.

He briskly leapt off his bed and opened his door to check that the passageways were clear, before heading straight for her room. Unfortunately for her the door was unlocked and he flung it wide open finding her before the mirror, taking her earrings off. She turned around startled by his presence.

He had a deadly look in his eyes that horrified her and just as she was about to ask him to leave as he walked right up to her seizing her by her waist. Before she could retort he kissed her fiercely on her mouth. She brought her arms up against his chest in vain attempt to push him away but he was too strong. He thrust her hard against the mirror with his upper body strength, keeping his hands firmly round her waist, the urge to tear into her was strong as he felt her delicate skin beneath his fingers and he held her like this without breaking away from his relentless kiss. As he forced her to come clashing against the mirror, her hair whipped about her, and the impact caused them to break their kiss for a split moment, she felt his hot breath as his lips brushed against hers. She tried to catch her breath then but he kissed her again greedily, and with more vigour. She fought strenuously but it only instigated him further as he pressed closer to her. Part of her continued to protest while another part began to succumb to him. She found herself slowly yielding into him, relaxing her arms against his warm chest, the burning sensation she felt within increased as she responded to his kisses and their kiss intensified. She began to slide her hands slowly up his well-defined chest resting them just over his shoulders while feeling the flexing of his body as they kissed. He pressed himself against her, closing any gap between them and she felt his skin burning into hers. Their kiss became slower and deeper, giving her time to breathe in between, his hands moved adeptly along her waistline, and he pulled her into him as they kissed, his lips curled into a smile as he felt her relax into him while she wrapped her arms along his shoulders and around his neck. His kiss was intoxicating and she responded in equal measure. He explored around the inside of hers mouth with his tongue, enjoying the taste of her lips before breaking away and gazing dangerously into her eyes.

Don't defy me again', he breathed and kissed her softly once more before pulling away. He stepped back to take her in, relishing the look of longing etched in her eyes, her lips were parted, her lipstick was smudged from where he had ravished her not seconds before. Garv gazed at her with a devilish gleam in his eyes. Walking back a few steps he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand then turned away sharply and took his leave in as grand an exit as his entry was and left her standing flustered in the dark.

Ananya stood rooted to the spot still heaving for breath from the recent encounter. Without thinking she walked straight ahead and pulled the doors in before locking it up. She sunk to the floor and buried her head in her hands. What had she done? Water. Ananya walked to the bathroom and ran the shower, walking straight in caring little for drenching the sari she wore. She glanced at her reflection across the bathroom and felt instantly repulsed. He had seduced her and she had encouraged his advances. She had given way to some dark feelings within her wanting him to go further, to take her deeper and was oddly disappointed when he drew them to a sudden stop...

How could she have let him take control over her like that? How could she have allowed such feelings to surface? She grew afflicted with the discomfort that came at the aftermath of her guilty pleasure. How was she to face him now? They had overstepped a line...She wouldn't be able to view him in the same way ever again.

Scene 9

Chinnamma chilakkamma choodu choodu chhodu

Seetamma bujjamma aadu aadu aadu..

Bujjamma poovamma tulasamma kanakamma...

Bujjamma poovamma tulasamma kanakamma

The blare of music blasted in the background as the Thakur brothers made their entry into the vibrant hall in full swagger. The courtyard and hall was a saturation of artificial lights and garish colours that typified the atmosphere of the brothel with its dazzling glitzy chandeliers, oriental rugs and shiny marble floors, beaded glass curtains, silk curtains and other cloths that spanned the balconies and chambers above.

'There's no need' Adarsh said wearily stopping short of the entry.

'Zaroorat hai bade' Garv said charmingly, and pulled his elder brother by the arm while the others wheedled him forward through the beaded glass curtains.

'We always wanted to throw you a bachelor's party in honour of your marriage.' Shakti exclaimed.

Adharsh gazed at his younger brother skeptically. He knew this was all an act, allowing him and Bhavna to continue staying at the house was very unlike his brothers, he knew fully well how much they disliked the whole idea. Then, Maa had given the condition that she can be a part of the family only if she remained in a separate room. Adharsh couldn't disobey his mother as much as he hated to part from Bhavna every night. Bhavna continued to reproach him for it of course.

Adharsh found Mayank among the throng of women who were swaying about in their vibrant, colourful garments, he was clearly amusing himself in their company, the lipstick on his neck and collar was proof enough. He went to greet his 5 brother-in-laws grinning at them animatedly.

'Here he is, the spectacular Bade Thakur. Look how great your brothers are, they've organised all this for you'.

2 women approached Adharsh and pulled him invitingly holding either hand. Adharsh stumbled forward and became surrounded by the women who flocked to him immediately, they danced and swayed around him while his brothers reclined back into the nearby armchairs watching in wicked amusement. Shakti focussed on Adarsh who was clearly not having any of it. He smirked and thought spitefully: You don't get to have a happy married life Bhaiya, not when I don't.

Two young girls drifted over the chairs and lured Amar and Samar out of their seats guiding them into the horde. The girl unabashedly undid the buttons off of Samar's shirt and his face quickly reddened while he gave Amar a side look as he laughed at him. Garv and Shakti were left alone on the armchair smirking silently at the scene before them. Neither said a word to each other. Garv turned to look at Shakti and eyed him with a grim hatred. He was still disturbed with the way Ananya had looked at him. Moreover it boiled him inside to see Shakti so unperturbed, he had not made any move to shower his affections on Ananya since they had married her and yet she had easily fallen for him in that split of a moment. Shakti felt his brother's eyes on him and met his seething look. Garv's mouth curled into a sneer as he looked at Shakti's mistrustful
expression. You wait and see Shakti, who Ananya really wants...With that thought Garv settled back into his armchair and continued watching the dance with a plain sneer on his face. Shakti frowned watching him sullenly. Garv was up to something no doubt.

Another girl ventured to the armchairs and was about to wrap herself round Garv but he stopped her and whispered something in her ear. She smiled obediently and sat on Shakti's lap while starting to run her hands up him. Shakti looked scornfully at Garv who smirked in satisfaction. He stopped her hands from running any further and shoved her away rather roughly while saying,

'Not today Jhanvi, go and entertain Adharsh.' She looked at him disappointedly and returned to the group. Shakti threw another dirty look at Garv who regarded him slyly. Where had Adharsh gone anyway? Shakti wondered. He scanned the room and spotted his elder brother drinking himself away, he had stealthily withdrawn from the crowd and occupied himself in his drinks just to dissuade any invitations from the eager women. Shakti promptly went up to him and tried to coax him back into the company of the women but Adharsh collapsed against him quite drowned in his drink. Meanwhile Jhanvi went to sit next to Garv and unbuttoned his shirt pulling it off him till it ripped apart. You're not yourself today Garv, maybe I can make you feel better?' He simply stared at her with a cold look. Im not in the mood, get lost laundiya, and look what you've done to my shirt.' She stepped away confused and left him to brood bringing him a new one while looking apologetically at him as he slipped it on and leapt up. He stared at Shakti from afar with a discernible envy in his eyes. Shakti was oblivious to it all.

'Garv I have something important to tell you. It's about Adharsh...'

The Thakur brothers gradually departed from the brothel along with their brother-in-law. Samar was looking quite tousled from his encounter with the girl and Amar contended on teasing him but most of the way back was filled with Mayank's jibber as he rattled on about their generosity and how lucky he was to have such caring brother-in-laws while the brothers merely exchanged derisive looks at each other behind his back. Garv and Shakti stood on either side of Adharsh carrying their brother's weight between them. As they stepped in they found their wives waiting in the living room. Bhavna rushed to Adharsh looking frazzled with worry and scrunched her nose smelling the strong odour of alcohol on him. Meanwhile Soni pulled Mayank to her and interrogated him about his whereabouts. Mayank managed to placate her doubts and smirked sideways at the brothers. The couple greeted everyone good night before leaving for their bedroom. Adharsh told Bhavna to help him upstairs, she did so unquestioningly as he leant on her, and she looked on at him with deep concern. Only Ananya remained where she was surveying the 4 brothers silently while they kept their eyes fixed on her.

The unsettling stillness lay thick in the air. After a good interval of ackward silence Ananya said,

'I have made hot milk for you all' she smiled sweetly at them and picked up a tray from the side
placing it down upon the small table. You're welcome. She thought humoured by the guilt that was concealed behind their quietness. They gathered around her eyeing her suspiciously before lounging back into their armchairs. They were watching her closely not saying a word as she handed them each their glass. All the while Ananya avoided looking at Garv even though she sensed his eyes boring into her. She didnt want to give him the satisfaction of her shame so she smiled as he took his glass from her. He slid his hand very slowly along hers making her flush and turn her face away from his. Garv gazed at her dangerously while bringing the glass to his lips. He let his eyes wander down her body as she stooped down to distribute the glasses to the rest of them. She felt his eyes on her all the time but simply smiled while brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. One by one they slowly started to drift off to sleep. She wasnt going to take any chances with them, not after that night when they tried to intrude into her room, they could be unpredictable that way. Everyone but Garv remained awake. He stood up and made his way to her.

Ananya was speechless waiting in tense silence. She would have to go through with this if he was to trust her. She felt her pounding heart, steeling herself for what was to come. Garv approached her menacingly as she backed away into an open bedroom, battling awfully hard against her impulse to take flight. He pursued her leisurely while fixing his predatory eyes on hers. He knew her game yet he would oblige her all the same.

'You forgot to put a pill in my drink' He said gently.
'Did I?' she replied huskily. She smiled at him enticingly trying to not betray any sign of the dread he provoked within her as she walked further back, slowly guiding him to her. Garv pursued her his eyes glinting with mischief. Her eyes locked into his, his gaze was hypnotic and she found herself quite unconsciously starting to move her hand along her shoulder letting the red silk shawl of her saree slip gracefully from her shoulder and onto the floor. She smiled seductively as if beckoning him closer. Garv's eyes glinted dangerously and travelled down her petite but curvy figure while consuming her skin with greedy eyes. In welcoming her gesture, he drew up close to her and began by trailing his fingers down her arms, sending shivers up her spine. His hands warmed her cool skin and he slipped them measuredly around her waist pulling her closely in. He nestled his face between her neck and shoulder, and kissed her softly on her shoulder before working his way up her neck. Ananya tilted her head obligingly as he moved along her jaw and down her neck. His kisses became increasingly passionate as he smothered her from all sides following her movements vigorously as she twisted and turned her head. She hadn't realised how much she had ached for his touch, his warm skin against hers felt so good and she sighed in delight.
'Garv... stop...' she gasped, he smirked at her self-contradictory words and pressed his body closer to hers till she clinged hard onto his arms to ease her aches while he moved down her neck, biting into her soft skin.
'Garv..please..' she sighed breathlessly.
'Ssshhh' he whispered huskily near her mouth bringing a finger to her lips before continuing to kiss and bite softly into her neck. She bit her lip in attempt to quell her pain and pressed him closer as he explored down her neck with his mouth biting softly into her delicate skin struggling to restrain his primal desire to inflict her more damage. You wont even think about Shakti after what I do to you. He thought to himself.
He inhaled her sweet scent, and she shut her eyes feeling the curl of his mouth against her bare flesh. She dug her nails into his back, tilting back her head permitting him to go deeper. He followed the trail of her blouse with his mouth, she felt herself melting under his touch, her skin burning against the heat of his chest. . What are you doing to me? She thought. He brushed his lips back up her neck till they met hers and their breaths intermingled. She turned away but he sought her out gazing into her eyes probingly.

She parted her lips invitingly and he kissed her, slowly at first and deeply. They stopped intermittently to catch their breaths before continuing, breathing heavily. She let his hands run up her and round her back as the commenced to undo the laces of her blouse. She however felt they were going too far and pulled back breaking the kiss.

'What's wrong?' Garv breathed

'It's too soon, we shouldn't be doing this' she replied faintly

Garv gazed at her fondly and gave a subtle smile before he pulled her in again kissing her deeply. She felt overwhelmed and tried to turn her face away but he persistently followed her with his mouth and slowly kissed her. She broke off from his kiss to undo the buttons of his silk purple shirt and he deftly pulled it off before their lips came crashing against one other in a frenzy of passion while she slid her hands freely up his warm chest and round his shoulders.

She responded to his flexing movements by arching her back and easing her hips into him as he pressed closer, while gripping onto the back of his neck, he thrust himself against her causing her to gasp, the sound of her voice roused his senses and he indulged her a bit more, relishing the sounds of her gasps.She felt him slide his hands along her hips and teasingly just under the rim of her blouse while urging her closer to him. She leaned into him, unable to control her desire and sighed deeply. Garv brushed her hair out of her face and found her mouth again with his. They were out of breath while they kissed softly and she turned her face away in timidity with the dawning realisation of this new level of intimacy they had reached. Garv had lured her in and she was beginning to lose her senses in his dark, deadly passionate embraces... Her mind wanted to protest but her body pined for him. Garv on the other hand had forgotten about Shakti completely. He had never desired Ananya as he did right now and it pleased him immensely knowing that he was the first husband with whom she had been intimate. That he had been the one to send her into throes of deep ecstasy. That she had initiated their encounter this time round. Garv slid his body slowly down hers, while she gripped firmly onto his hair. She pressed her eyes shut as he caressed her waist circling her navel with his thumbs and kissed her tenderly. He travelled up her body, to feel her delicate curves with his mouth till he gazed gently into her face again. His lips brushed against hers and she returned him a tender kiss closing her eyes. She opened her eyes and smiled at him noticing how truly enchanting his smile was from such a close distance. She knew this moment would not last but cherished it all the same. Maybe he was gradually trusting her but it didn't matter to her at this moment. She knew she would feel a wave of guilt later for having delved so far into the game but she wanted to live this feeling till it lasted.

Baanwli si preet mori
Ab chain kaise paaye
Aaja rasiya mohe
Ang lagaa le..

Scene 10

Scene 9

Ananya trudged down the corridor trying to steady her hands as she carried the tea tray precariously towards the living room. She tried to convince herself that the shaking in her hands was an innate response to gain balance and avoid spilling any tea rather than any nerves settling within. Her body was still sore all over from that fatal encounter last night. She had repeated her shower ritual right after in guilt of the intimacy she indulged in with Garv, as hopeless as it was to conceal the bite marks dented along her neck and shoulders. She had chosen to wrap her shawl in such a way that hid her love wounds, hoping against hope that it wouldn't raise any suspicion.
She entered into their room and wore a face of forced serenity as she delivered them their tea. Samar was still asleep while Amar was buttoning up a checked shirt. He turned around to the noise of her footsteps. Nothing in his expression conveyed any sign of suspicion instead his face lightened up as she entered.
'Morning Ananya' he said quite pleasantly leaving the top quarter of his shirt unbuttoned. Just like Garv, though with more modesty, Ananya remarked, dispelling the thought as quickly as it came. She found it rather funny how differently the brothers behaved when she met them individually. He was nothing like his usual egoistic self, the fact that he had reverted to calling her by her name rather than the almost condescending and degrading manner he normally addressed her in from 'dulhaniya' to 'laundiya' spoke volumes. Yet she wondered at this change. Could it be another ploy they were staging? You could never be too safe around them, she had learnt that much till now.
Ananya effected a cheery response and handed him his cup. He paused regarding her curiously before taking a sip and putting it down.
'Thanks. Hold on..' He picked up a nearby cushion and whacked his younger brother up. Samar groaned in vexation as his sleep was disturbed and rolled off his covers. He jerked up instantly as he saw Ananya and fell off the bed in comical fashion hurriedly scrambling for his black vest which he slipped into as he stood up to greet her blushing profusely.
'Morning Chote Thakur' She said trying to contain her laughter and handed him the tea. It was sort of endearing to see him redden from embarrassment of being seen shirtless before her. Did she really think that or was she just distracting herself by looking at the lighter side of the brothers, in desperation of trying to ram out any thoughts on Garv Thakur..Stop it Ananya.
Her thoughts drifted back to the two brothers before her. As the two youngest of the 5 they tried their best to live up to the image perpetuated by their elder brothers and their controlling mother..what would it take to rupture that? Ananya wondered. They eyed her with interest as she turned her back on them and rifled through their wardrobe pulling out their creased clothing.
'Im doing a load of ironing' she said in response to their questioning stares.. They watched her in pensive silence as she sorted through their crumpled clothes. Although overshadowed by their elder brothers Ananya couldn't help but remark how undeniably handsome they were in their own ways, really any girl might easily fall for their boyish charms. Yet the reminder that she was their wife stung her. She could not imagine herself in intimacy with either of them. Last night Garv had claimed her, his image was stubbornly ingrained within her, his possessive touches engraved upon her that as hard as she may try just would not wash off. She shuddered at the thought of her having intimate relations with anyone else other than him now. How could she when her mind was consumed by thoughts of him, her body ached for his touches and her heart..she didn't know what her heart wanted.
'Whats wrong Ananya?' Amar spoke seemingly concerned bringing her out of her reverie
'Oh.. its..nothing' she said quietly.
'You don't seem yourself today' he continued a flicker of doubt in his voice.
She smiled reassuringly before looking away furtively.
'I had trouble sleeping last night, that's all.'
She took their empty cups from them and placed it upon the tray set on the side table as she did her shawl slipped off her shoulders. They furrowed their eyes while looking at the rashes but she hastily covered herself up again.
'Are you sure nothing's bothering you Ananya?' Samar inquired. No, I'm not sure, someone is bothering me, my space, my thoughts, my peace..
'Drink up fast, breakfast is ready downstairs'. She said distantly. They eyed her with appeal as she walked passed them and exchanged sly glances at each other after she left, their former arrogance returning in full force.
'Shes hiding something bhaiya, maybe we should follow her.' Amar nodded his acquiescence and they pursued her out.
She left them starting for Shakti's room. They stopped short of Shakti's room eavesdropping in on their conversation. Soni came out of her room and spotted them. She quickly pulled them away under the pretext that their mother needed them to do some work. The brothers shot daggers at their sister before reluctantly leaving.
Shakti was rummaging for something in his drawers when she disrupted him. He directed his gaze to her as she posed the tray on his table. Ananya forced a smile and repeated her message for breakfast.
He strode to her towering above her as he neared her and locked into her gaze.
'You don't think I know what's going on?'
Ananya looked up at him with an angelic look trying her best to appear ignorant.
'What are you talking about?' She said pleasantly
'The milk you gave us yesterday..you were trying to drug us.' It wasn't a question. She continued to look up naively at him. Shakti gripped her wrist and pinned it behind her back.
'Dont lie to me Ananya, I know you too well, I know you inside out' he said frustratingly pinning her arm up against the wall while leaning into her.
Ananya grew anxious wondering if he had found out about her intimate encounter with Garv. She looked unfazed as he continued to tighten his grasp.
'Speak Ananya. ' he continued to drill her looking at her searchingly while she merely looked at him in defiance.
'What were you trying to do by drugging us?'
'Trying to keep you away from me as much as possible.'
'You really think we were going to take advantage of you?'
'Its happened before hasn't it?' She said quite sternly. He brushed away her comment and instead said,
'What are you hiding?' His eyes drifted to her neck and he prised her shawl off while slackening his grip on her wrist.
'Who did this to you?' he spoke with a sudden change of genuine concern and tenderness. Though this quickly rendered into an abrupt impatience when she was silent and he probed her further.
'Look you're making a big mistake with Garv, you are only destroying yourself by being with him.' She shrugged him off her and stepped away from him while gazing at him enquiringly.

'Why do you even care Shakti Thakur?' Weren't you the one who bought me into this doomed marriage? She said solemnly.
He relapsed into silence and lowered his gaze from her challenging stare. Who are you to me now Shakti, it's all your fault I'm in this mess that I am.
She walked away gravely leaving him downcast. She hadnt denied that she had been with Garv. Shakti upturned his chair in aggravation before falling on the bed in sober silence.

Now the hardest. She would have to face him some point. If she let him knew how much an impact he was having on her it would defeat her purpose and she didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing that, it was enough that he had lured her in to that stage.
She knocked at his door but there was no response. She entered his room. He was sleeping soundlessly, without any covers, she watched the muscles in his back rise and fall with each breath he took as he slept.
She set the tray quietly and knelt down by him. He turned around on his back and slept with one arm behind his head. She became mesmerised by his unusually peaceful countenance, he was anything but that yet in sleep he looked the image of innocence. She was tempted to kiss him as he slept. Without thinking she began to extend her hands to his face and cupped his cheeks, he felt warm. She planted a kiss on his forehead and turned to go. Garv opened his eyes and grabbed her wrist. She felt the throbbing of her heart as he stood up recalling the familiarity of his body heat as he pulled her back to his chest narrowing the gap between them.
'What are you doing in my room?' He said softly from behind her
'I .. I bought your tea' she quivered, failing to conceal her apprehension. She felt his breath on her neck and shuddered.
'Stay.' He commanded and began to wrap his arms around her sliding his hands along her arms and through her fingers before closing them in a clasp and stroking her hands gently with his own. She felt his hot breath on her neck as he brushed his mouth against her skin and felt his contentment at the curling of his lips against her skin.
'Garv I-'
'What?' He probed, adamantly squeezing his arms around her whilst kissing her neck softly. She shut her eyes and turned her face away in timidity as he kissed her neck and throat insistently before she angled her face over her shoulder towards him meeting his lips with hers. He smiled coaxingly at her as she gazed at him nervously.
'Garv don't do this.' She said in a frail tone. He was tempted to throw her on his bed and make love to her there and then, to prove to her that he didn't need her consent. She was his. Only his.
'Why?' He breathed, eyes gleaming with desire, a tinge of fury in his voice.
She looked at their reflections in the mirror, looked at his wild eyes that pursued her. He brushed her hair away from her face and nuzzled close to her.
'Are you worried dear wife' that our secret will be discovered.' He pulled her in a crushing embrace and turned round to face her. She cast her eyes downward as he leant in to her till his mouth brushed hers, mesmerised by her fragile beauty.
'Garv please' she gazed at him entreatingly while his eyes twinkled with malice and he kissed her long and hard. It caught her by surprise and she raised her arms up against his body successfully pushing him away with every strength left in her. She wasn't going to let him do it again. She turned for the door but he swiftly pulled her back and pinned her down on his bed.
She felt suffocated as he held her still and regarded her with a burning desire; he wanted to chain her up and tie her down, where no one could reach her except him..
She turned her face away from his as he pressed his face against her and whispered into her ear with gritted teeth
'You belong to me Ananya. Just me'
Something in the way he said the words made Ananya warm up inside. It was unbecoming of her.. I ought to hate him for what he did, what he is doing to me.. She turned her face to his again and kissed him trying to match his vigourous pace, she felt his taut firm muscles flex against her body as they kissed. She wanted to touch him and as if sensing her need he released his hands from hers and slipped them up her waist, inching closer to her blouse. She wanted to repel him but found herself drawing him closer as she slid her hands up his chest and round his neck. He lifted her round so he was lying down on the bed and she was above him. Her long tresses fell against him, her eyes were glazed, and he became magnified by her natural beauty. She slid her hands slowly up his chest while keeping her eyes locked on his and brought her lips to his in a passionate kiss. Their bodies brushed teasingly against one another but she broke off the kiss before they could go any further and moved off the bed. He sat up and leaned to the side planting his elbow on the bed examining her with a mixture of contempt and attraction.
'Get back here' he said dangerously
She backed away keeping her eyes fixed on him and ran out from the room before he could do any further damage

Scene 11

The brothers slumped themselves along the benches set round the round table on the balcony.
There was a time when they would convene together here sharing their brotherly love in their standard rough way with one another but now the atmosphere was so thick with tension if it weren't for Mayanks ceaseless rambling, it would settle like ominous clouds over them.
Adharsh knew he was the root of their friction. Since his secret had come to light his brothers had made every effort to let him feel the guilt, it was not what they said but rather what they didn't. They would exclude him more and more and he never felt more estranged than he did now. That rare night out when Garv had decided to take him out, he knew was done to spite his marriage. And now here he was summoned by the fool Mayank as a desperate attempt to unite them for his own vested interests. Mayanks constant gibber lingered like background noise and he took another swig of his beer trying his best to drown him out occasionally throwing in some smiles just to humour him.
Shakti threw Adharsh a sour look while unscrewing a new bottle.
You don't get to have the privilege of a happy marital life when you denied me one. He thought bitterly.
'Give us your cup Bhai' Shakti commanded. Adharsh looked at him doubtfully
'Are de na' he snatched his mug off him and poured another.
You dared marry some girl when you had continued to convince me to hurt Ananya through deceit. He thought sneaking a furtive look at him while filling his mug to the rim. I'm not going to let you off so easily, bade bhaiya. He thought as he passed him the cup with a slight smirk on his face. Adharsh accepted it hesitantly before posing it on the table. Garv quipped;
'Lets make a toast, here's to Adharsh and his lovely wife' Garv spoke veiling his vicious thoughts behind a calm demeanour. There was a clink of glasses and a exaggerated Mayank exclaiming his cheers on such a happy and momentous occasion. Adharsh rolled his eyes and went with the flow regardless. He would have to get himself and Bhavna out of here before anything happened. He could no longer trust them. Garv brought the glass to his lips and surveyed Shakti with a dark look.
Saale, he is so selfish he doesn't even care that Adharsh betrayed us, he only cares about his relationship with Ananya. He fails to see that Ananya doesn't even want him.
He snorted, took another swig, and brushed his mouth with the back of his hand after gulping it down.
Shakti met his contemptuous look. Meanwhile Amar and Samar were exchanging looks of derision as Mayank prattled on about the unity of their brotherhood and how he felt honoured and cherished to have become one of them too. Amar spoke in a low voice,
'If only we could shut his mouth up'
'Let's keep feeding him with the drinks., worked last time'. Samar suggested.
'Sounds fair' Garv chimed in,
'A gun may have been quicker but he's our dear wife's brother afterall'
Garv gazed distantly at the scene and his thoughts drifted off to Ananya, their wife, not his alone..Even though he was the only one she spent really intimate moments with. What that meant perplexed him..

Ananya clattered around the kitchen emptying the pots and pans into the sink when she heard drunken laughter erupting from the balcony. She shook her head in incredulity and started to make her way towards them. It was so late into the night and they had been delving into their drink for a good while now. Mayank had the nerve to keep the brothers awake, she knew how grumpy and moody they could become after a whole night of drinking especially as the brothers relationships were unsteady at this point and she wasn't prepared to entertain that. But as she neared the doorway she came to a halt. She didn't want to face him. Not after what had transpired this morning between them, not to mention the past couple of nights. Her newfound feelings for Garv Thakur scared her. She was unsure how to confront him about what their relationship was moving into. Ananya turned on her heels in pensive thought heading to her chambers and locking the door behind her as she went.

Scene 12

Bhavna walked in the hall feeling a growing unease in the pit of her stomach. She had hoped one of the brothers would come round and be the bigger man but stubbornness just seemed to run in the whole family. Adharsh and his brothers were at a cold war with each other and she knew it was partly because of her. She came to an abrupt stop as she reached the end of the corridor hearing muffling sounds issuing from next door before she could listen in she was suddenly grabbed around her waist and about to shriek when immediately stifled as a hand closed over her mouth.

'Sshhh' a whisper in her ear.

She thrashed in his hold but the arm around her was too strong.

She was starting to feel faint and fell motionless back into her captor. She melted into a pool of blackness...

...Her vision was blurry as she began to adjust to the dim light. She felt a searing pain at her wrists, as someone twisted her arms behind her. The youngest Thakur was tying a rope around her while Amar held her in place.

'Tighten it securely Samar'

'What are you doing?' She stuttered in alarm

'Teaching you a lesson.' Samar said the faintest hint of a sneer curling his mouth. She writhed about as Amar held her.

'Please let me go, is this a way to treat a woman?!' He threw her down onto a chair and rested his hands on either side. She gazed up looking petrified.

'No. But you give us no choice.'

He said and bent low to meet her pale complexion while eyeing her with a desire in his eyes. He brushed his fingers slowly down the side of her face while she shuddered from his touch. Tears were forming in her eyes but it only transfixed him.

'Amar you fool, she's not Ananya that we can share her'. Amar stood up looking resentfully at his brother. Shakti approached the chair and knelt down. She hadn't noticed him lurking in the shadows. He gazed at her pitifully.

'Someone from the brothel wants you dead for running away.' She looked aghast. Shakti examined her keenly.

'So you tell me ladki, how does someone as innocent as you end up in a brothel?

Bhavna shook her head in incredulity.

'I don't know what you are talking about. Please let me go.' She said shaking.

'Well aren't you just the player' a new voice spoke jeeringly from the dark. Garv came forward while Shakti stood up.

'Listen 'bhabhi ji' we can do this cat-mouse game all night, as it is, Adharsh is drunk senseless that he won't be coming to your rescue anytime soon.' He spoke with a tenderness that masked the underlying threat of his message. Bhavna tried to restrain the flow of her tears.

'Why...why are you tormenting me? I don't know of any brothel!' She cried with mounting dread. Samar said sarcastically,

'Hush laundiya, why are you looking shocked for? That brothel is a place we frequent, you should have been more careful'.

'I don't have any idea what you are on about' She wept.

Garv looked at her with a foreboding calm. He knelt down and said

'Really? So you really don't remember me?' He said suggestively. She looked at him blank faced, genuinely rattled by his insinuation.

'Wh..what are you implying? You all just want me out of Adharsh's life don't you?' She said dejectedly while Garv regarded her with a deadly look.

He dragged her up and threw her against Samar who held her arms tightly from behind her.

'Adharsh was paying you for your services and like true romantics you both fell in love with each other. You were the damsel in distress and he came to save you from that desolation. And you kept each other's secrets.' He walked up to her and gave her a piercing look.

'Am I right?' Tears streamed down her face and she looked at him in disbelief.

'Not so bholi after all, are you dear bhabhi' he leered twisting the words into her and watching carefully for her reaction.

At that he commanded Samar to take her away to be locked up. She writhed about hopelessly as he slapped his hand over her to quell her screams and pulled her away. He opened the door finding Ananya standing on the threshold...

She stared at them in pure shock. Everything happened in a flicker of seconds. Shakti pulled Ananya in and pushed her against a wall closing his hand over her mouth while Samar took Bhavna with him into a side room. Ananyas eyes were wide with fear. With no time to lose she pushed him away and fled the room, while the brothers rapidly followed her out. She tried to run as fast as she could but they were gaining in on her. She turned sharply round a corner and clashed into Samar who shook his head rather insinuatingly and regarded her with a dark look.

She felt them hem her in and tried to dart away but was pulled roughly by Garv who encircled his arms tightly from behind her. The familiarity of his body heat got to her while he brushed his face against her neck, trying to resist the urge to tear her apart with his teeth.

'Hi again' he whispered, she felt his hot breath against her skin while his lips brushed lightly up her neck.

Shakti frowned as he caught Ananyas expression which had softened at the sound of Garvs voice. Shakti moved forward and wrenched her away while Garv threw him a vile look. He threw her into a room, and the others followed them in. Amar drew the lock on the door.

Garv walked up to her and pulled his gun out pointing it to her forehead. He then trailed it slowly down her body following the movement with his eyes while keeping the hilt of the gun pressed firmly against her navel. He drew right up to her then and she squirmed against him as he brushed his lips across her cheek and to her ear, he whispered suggestively,

'You had better behave tonight Ananya'. He kissed her softly on cheek. She scratched at his face as he did but her defiance only aroused him and he shoved her hard to a door pinning her arms against it till she gasped.

'Why do you continue to disobey me, sweet patniji?' he grimaced seeking her out as she twisted and turned her face away from his close proximity. She felt his breath warm against her skin and he brushed his mouth teasingly against hers almost rekindling the intense moments they had shared not too long before.

'You're pathetic' she said spitefully while meeting his tempting gaze. Her resistance both enraged and intrigued at once. His eyes glinted wildly as he tackled her to the floor pinning her arms down and she felt his crushing weight above her. They gazed at each other for an interval of a few seconds. She failed to understand how this was the same man who had shown a more tender albeit passionate side to him when they had been together. He had behaved quite differently when they had been alone and yet now there was definite malice in his intentions. She wondered if she could ever keep up with his temperament. Garv finally let her go and swung her up with mighty force and throwing her till she landed onto a sofa. Shakti pounced on her and pinned her down onto the sofa. She tried to propel herself up but he pushed her back.

'You won't be leaving this room alive unless you co-operate.'

'I don't have to listen to you. You are all pathetic, locking up a helpless girl all because she refuses to buy into your lies' she scoffed. Shakti scowled and released her and went in search of a piece of cloth to use as a bandage. Something to shut her preachy mouth up. Garv's temper was inflamed as he had watched them within inches of each other but he kept himself under control while eyeing them with plain disgust.. Amar gripped Ananya by the nape of her neck and pulled her up.

'Lovely wife you always make this harder than it should be' he grimaced.

Ananya had a thought, deciding she wasn't going to let them gain the advantage again.

'Ouch, ouch, ouch!' She yelled. She flopped down on the sofa as Amar released her surprised by her sudden change in reaction. What are you moaning about? He said impatiently

'When Garv threw me on the sofa, my ankle twisted. I can't stand.' She exclaimed rubbing at her ankle, it wasn't a complete lie.

'Ouch, it really pains!' She cried squinting her eyes. Garv eyed her suspiciously before kneeling down before her.

'Let me take a look' he said, he shifted his eyes wickedly in Shakti's direction before taking her shoe off. He slipped his hand around her ankle and massaged it gently, she tried not to wince and grew very conscious of his hand seeking her skin just beyond her ankle, moving up her leg. His face was a dark shadow as he bored his eyes into hers surveying her intensely. She withdrew her leg slightly but he didn't let go. Shakti looked at Garv repulsively and intervened. He dragged Ananya up and tossed her to Samar. The action only fed Garv's pride as smirked upon Shakti's reaction. Ananya faltered in her step as she was flung harshly against Samar who spun her round to face Shakti while holding her in place.

Shakti walked menacingly to her swinging the bandage around his wrist before starting to tie it around her mouth. She gazed imploringly at Garv who simply looked at her mysteriously. Samar held her arms behind her as Shakti knotted a rope around her wrists. He then threw her against the floor and they all stood over her intimidatingly.

Garv knelt down to meet her weary expression. He stroked the side of her face gently and she responded to his touch by swiftly turning her head away.

'The more you resist us the more we chase you down.' He said softly into her ear before standing up again.

'Don't mess with us Ananya, we know your tricks only too well' Shakti said darkly.

'And stop interfering in our business laundiya, or you will come to regret it' Amar remarked rather flippantly. At that they walked away leaving her in the dark.

Scene 13

Ananya opened her eyes in a daze, almost forgetting where she was. The sounds of the door being unbolted had jolted her awake, she must have fallen into a stupor. Could it be Adharsh? She thought waiting with expectancy, perhaps he had rescued Bhavna who would tell him where she was. Of course her hope was all in vain, her misfortune continued its rule as she looked at Garv who was emerging from the dense blackness, locking the door behind him. Ananya retreated against the wall with a racing heart while he edged forward. His face was a shadow. He knelt down but she started to kick wildly, before he lifted her up and turned her round calmly untying the rope from her wrists. Her heart leapt with a small flicker of hope, but was quickly extinguished the moment he spoke.
'I despise you, I want you to know that'. He came round to face her and there was a flicker of madness in his eyes. Ananya pulled the bandage off her mouth and flung it aside.
Hating her was easier, destroying her till she begged for mercy was easier. And then there was Shakti, her history with him compelled him to fill him with contempt. She was only property...something he had to remember when looking at her, when becoming lost within her earnest eyes ... and she was his, only his.
'We often pretend to hate what we desire most' the words just slipped out, Ananya didn't know what possessed her to say this to him. Maybe she wanted to reel him in, maybe she enjoyed it despite of her better sense. Or maybe she saw herself mirrored through his eyes...
Garv pulled her into him and shoved her against the door.. His face was inches against hers, suffocating her vision, eyes burning into hers. He placed one hand on her cheek running his thumb along her mouth.
'I feel nothing but hate for you.' He said softly breathing against her mouth before kissing her deeply. Something inside her stirred at the tone of his dreamy voice. She realised she should be fighting him off but his kiss was sending her into a trance, and she relaxed into him while running her slender fingers through his hair in approval of his advances. There was an urgency in it making them seek each other as if nothing else mattered.
As they broke for breath she said

'It's not hate Garv, it's not what you think it is.'
'Don't test my patience Ananya' he breathed heavily.
Garv fixed his intense eyes on hers and he resumed his kiss with her again with more vigour this time while unfastening his shirt and tossing it aside. She was thankful to him as she slid her hands up his bare chest feeling the flexing taut muscles of his body. He pulled her up by her hips and onto the table. She leaned into him while he kissed her down her neck and pressed his fingers into her waist slowly running one hand up her body. There was a playful look in him as he met her eyes.

'Now tell me that you hate me.' He said huskily before kissing her again. Ananya felt him brushing his thumb playfully across her blouse just before he pulled her down from the table again and brushed his body fervently up against hers as they kissed, causing her to break the kiss, while gasping from the intensity. Her voice was arousing, compelling him to venture into her with deeper urgency as he did before. She clinged tightly onto his arms as he found her mouth with his, kissing her softly. He brushed his mouth down her neck
'Do it Ananya. Tell me you hate me.' He breathed, sliding his fingers just beneath her blouse and fondling her there gently. Ananya melted into his warm enticing touch and gasped as he became persistent in his caresses.
'Garv' she sighed from resignation, not managing to say anything more as he met her mouth with his again. It was the reaction he was waiting for but he wanted to surprise her even more. He slid his hand back around her waist again and pulled her into him while thrusting himself into her hips till they clashed against the wall, causing her to gasp from the shock, he kissed her softly and slowly began rubbing up and down her body giving her time to match his pace, insistently seeking her mouth with his as she shied away more from want of breath. He pressed his forehead against hers looking at her reassuringly and spoke softly

'Tell me if you want to me to stop' while further probing her reactions with a deep fondness in his eyes as he continued to steadily press himself into her, his mouth was hot against her skin

'Don't stop..' she said breathlessly leaning into him and clutching his skin. He smiled savouring the high pitched sounds of her submissive moans, feeling the arching of her hips as he urged her closer still into him.

'Then say it, say that you hate me' he whispered against her mouth in a raspy tone. She squinted her eyes shut, sliding her hands across his back and turning her face away his from his in order to reclaim her breath while relishing the sensations he was giving her. What more do you want from me Garv? She thought internally. He grew aroused by the sounds of her voice. Her compulsive moans of ecstasy were like sweet music to his ears and made him persist with a fervour in his movements. She felt his mouth curl in triumph, felt the perspirations and increasing heat of his skin against hers before they resumed their kiss, pausing often to regain their breath. It thrilled him that he was able to send her into raptures, something he alone could do to her. Ananya hugged him close to her unable to comprehend the reality of it as her senses became drowned in his touches yet again and tried hard to meet his rhythms as they symphonically rose and fell in unison rubbing slowly against one another, she leaned onto his shoulder and breathed out a sigh as they slowed down to a stop. I hate you for the same reason I love you, she thought feeling the sweet ache below her navel. But he wanted to look at her and drew her back while pressing his forehead against hers. She closed her eyes and smiled approvingly while his mouth brushed hers and ran his fingers slowly down her neck and further down tracing the swelling of her curves. He then kissed her down her neck moving slowly down her body to her bare navel planting soft kisses below, the burning sensations lingering on her skin. Ananya threw her head back sighing deeply before leaning in and kneeling down to meet him. She brought her hands to his face and kissed him.
'I don't hate you. And nor do you hate me'. Her eyes twinkled endearingly. Garv watched her with a softened expression.
'Then tell me what you feel for me'. He said in a whisper. She nuzzled her face against his neck affectionately while wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
'Lets not say it lest we curse it' she said gazing fondly into his eyes and cupped his cheeks with both hands while kissing him tenderly on the mouth.

Some things are better left unsaid'. She said enigmatically encircled his shoulders with her arms again.
Garv brushed her soft tresses to the side and kissed her tenderly on one cheek then the other while she closed her eyes in contentment. He glanced lovingly into her eyes, a smile reflected in them.
I love you. He thought. She hugged him closely settling into the warmth of his chest while he smiled upon her.

Final Scene

A hammering on the doors. Garv and Ananya jerked up to the booming noises coming from the other side of the doors. They had fallen asleep in each other's arms. Ananya watched Garv hurriedly sweep his shirt from the floor and quickly buttoning it up as Shakti followed by Amar and Samar burst into the room. This unexpected shift in the atmosphere made everyone pause. Samar and Amar glanced at each other, plain confusion written on their faces while Shakti glanced at Garv and Ananya suspiciously noting the dishevelment of them as they stood up.

'What is she doing without her bandages?' he commanded a growing revulsion contorting his features

Garv held her hand in his as Ananya looked on at him with a mixture of reverie and fear. Garv smirked at Shakti,

'I untied her because I wanted to give her some company'

Don't play with me Garv, it's not working'

You think I'm playing with you?' he jeered

Garv released her hand and walked up to Shakti confronting him in the face. There was a moment of disconcerting silence as the elder brothers locked their eyes in a face-off. Shakti commanded Samar to tie her up again before addressing Garv, all the while keeping his eyes fixed on him.

What do you think you're doing?' Shakti snapped with pronounced malice. Garv got straight to the point,

You're just upset because she doesn't reciprocate your feelings' he said viciously narrowing his eyes. Shakti replied with a measured composure,

Don't fool yourself Garv, she's playing a game herself, she has no interest In either me or you.' Garv smirked suggestively. Shakti frowned wondering why Garv wasn't ruffled by what he had just told him.

'Maybe you should ask her that' Garv said a mischievous glint in his eyes Didn't you wonder what I was doing here locked up with Ananya?' He asked self-assuredly strutting closer to him.

'Just me and her... alone' Garv said twisting the words into him for extra effect. Shakti looked at him nonchalantly.

'There's a limit Garv, seriously, don't embarrass yourself with lies'.

Garv was clearly enraged but he checked himself and said with a side glance at Ananya.

'She hasn't objected to what I've told you so you can assume whatever you like.' He said in a sinister undertone.

'Waise bhi chote, we've shared some intimate moments that you will never get yourself since you betrayed her'. He said tenderly, disguising the bitterness he felt towards Shakti. The tension was so thick at this point it made Ananya recoil inside. At the same time she felt used, and looked in repulsion at Garv. She was growing more convinced that this was all being done to spite Shakti, he hated him with a passion and she wouldn't put it past him to have planned to seduce her just to show Shakti that he could. She was unable to find her voice feeling frustrated that Garv had played her, and gained the upper hand in the game. Deep down she knew it would come to this but wasn't one bit prepared for the hurt it gave her even though she knew well that trusting the any of the Thakur brothers would only end in disaster.

Shakti's outrage reached its peak and he pulled Garv by the open collar of his shirt while saying,

'Just look at you with your half-open shirt, strutting your cleavage around like a sl*g. It's no wonder she gave in to you just like all the wh**es tend to do', Shakti lashed out cruelly while throwing him back.

Garv face grew livid with a deadly rage, he clenched his teeth and kicked Shakti forcing him to stagger back. Garv approached him but Shakti recovered quickly and punched Garv in the face. Blood trickled down the side of Garv's mouth as he turned his head to look at Shakti, his face seething with temper while he gritted his teeth, it was a ghastly sight. Garv straightened himself and responded by pounding Shakti hard against his jaw and stood heaving over him as he watched his younger brother reeling from the blow. Amar jolted out of his initial shock and ran over to Garv in attempt to detain him from inflicting any further damage on Shakti but was thrown roughly onto the floor while Samar let go of Ananya and held onto Shakti who shoved him away. Shakti regained his footing and advanced on Garv, drawing him by the collar of his shirt again and threw him roughly against the door, he tore his shirt apart before knocking him several times in the chest and jaw. Garv gripped one hand round the back of Shakti's head and swiftly swerved him round till he came clashing against the room wall while he thrashed him ruthlessly in the chest with his clenched fist causing him to lurch back from the blows. Then, in an odd turnaround of events he pulled him into a close suffocating hug. Shakti held tightly onto him and they remained wrapped closely in a bloody embrace. The youngest brothers were stupefied by the sight and rushed over to them this time managing to pull them apart, and their hysteric yells were drowned out as Garv and Shakti glowered fixedly at one another. Meanwhile Ananya had seized her moment to break free when Samar had released her. She had found Bhavna in the side room tied up to a chair lying unconscious and was undoing her ropes in a flurry. She sprinkled some water on her and was relieved to see her eyes open.

'Bhavna we need to get out of here very quickly, the brothers are in the middle of a violent fight' she said trying to conceal her panic as she saw the horrified expression on Bhavna's face. They edged forward to the door, Ananya saw the brothers still locked in a stare-off while the younger brothers tried to pacify them. She held Bhavna's hand tightly and they slipped past the drama unnoticed as their backs were turned to them. Just as they were heading for the door, they heard a sickening crash of a glass vase that toppled over. The brothers swerved around. No time to be wasted, Ananya frantically undid the locks while Shakti, Garv, Amar and Samar headed towards them before the doors finally came open and Ananya and Bhavna came stumbling out. Ananya swivelled on her feet and locked the door in their faces just in time. The girls sprinted away without looking back. They darted for the staircase and on reaching the landing safely they quickly glanced up. To her dismay she met the seething looks of the boys who had somehow managed to break the door open as they looked down on them from above.

'Ananya! Don't you dare leave us Ananya!' hissed Garv through bloody teeth.

It was as if the power had shifted, she caught a glimpse of desperation in his features and should have felt slightly gratified that her absence would have that effect on him. But it no longer mattered anymore. I will have to leave you Garv Thakur. All of you. I don't want to be a part of this destructive dysfunctional family any longer. I choose life.

The girl's whipped around the hall's pillars to make way for the door but brothers bolted down the stairs in a matter of seconds, and to their terror were quickly advancing on them. Ananya knocked some chairs over to obstruct the brothers' view, tripping both Shakti and Garv but before she could get away she felt a firm hand tug at her ankle till she came tumbling down, she tried to pull away but was being dragged back. Bhavna run!' she screamed

It was too late however as Amar and Samar seized Bhavna by her waist just as she was about to reach the door. She squirmed against their combined strength and Amar kept a hand closed over her mouth. Meanwhile Shakti had twisted her round and was dragging her along the floor into him but she gave him a good kick in the stomach sending him reeling backwards and quickly shuffled away in panic when she was instantly dragged by her leg again this time by Garv who hauled her in to him, and speedily crawled over her before she could flee again. She thrashed helplessly under his weight before he pinned her arms to the floor and gazed at her possessively. He kissed her hard, and she could taste the blood on his lips and felt his hot chest through his green shredded shirt as he crushed her beneath him.

'I love you Ananya, don't leave me'. He said breathlessly. She returned him a look of pity, and kissed him back. It caused him to slacken his hold on her arms and she timed her moment to kick him hard before briskly pulling herself away. Garv leapt up and pulled her into him from behind wrapping an arm around her while pressing one hand over her mouth to stifle her scream. He brushed his mouth against her neck while saying

'Ananya I won't let you leave... I love you too much' her face wreathed with anguish and tears rolled down her face from a mixture of pity and the pain he was causing her not just from squeezing her tightly. Shakti looked genuinely affected as he watched Garv profess his affection.

Garv turned Ananya round to face him and ran his hand across her cheek. Did I mean nothing to you?' He said a slight whimper forming in his voice. Ananya couldn't not look at him. Im sorry' she said quietly before pushing him away, fleeing his hold. She hurled a chair at Amar causing him to fall backwards while Bhavna made a frenzied escape from the twins and caught Ananya's hand.

They were all screaming her name but she continued to run without looking behind her. Whatever may come she would run. She thought solemnly. I was ensnared by all of you into a life I never wanted. Leaving was the only way out of this madness. Bhavna stopped suddenly and said Adharsh' but Ananya reassured her, they would not harm Adharsh however much they might have threatened to. Adharsh would eventually come to his own senses and leave the household to live with his wife. Ananya once again shut the doors on them hearing their desperate thumps and poundings against the doors mixed with their bouts of swearing emitting from the other side. She gave one last look at the house before walking off looking into the distant horizon that was beginning to glow with the specks of a rising sun.

*****

omggg

So love ur stry although m mire of shakti ananya fan but have read dis stry so many timew.great job.do write mre,thnks fr pm,

good choice of pics, your story is amazzing just read the whole thing over again...garv thakur

thanks u guys, hope the ending matched up to your expectations!

well i would have like to read more of course but i liked the way you wrote the characters and garvs affectionate side towards the end was good to read..miss garv so much.. pls write more

Thanks Kesar. Actually I have written a start of a little something except the roles and chemistries are going to be different because it will follow this story: The Outsiders based on SE Hinton's novel, and a classic film by Francis Ford Copola who made The Godfather

I dont expect you to have heard of it, but basically its a story that would fit so well to the Thakur brothers
Plenty of bromance
yep u guessed right- the one without a shirt is going to be garvs character

The 3 brothers will be Adharsh, Garv, and Samar
with Shakti and Amar as the close friends


Shakti


as
Dallas Winston- the toughest one of the lot