Khushi thrashed against the men that grabbed her, her frail body's attempt feeble against the mean that held her. The tallest of them, let go of her and slapped her across the cheek, splitting her lip against the ring he wore.
The ring with the Raizada crest, marking him as a loyal dog to his heinous master.
A day ago, Khushi would have spat across his face and escaped in one way or another. However, the vigor and heart she possessed a day ago had vanished, crumbled to ash. So she fell silent as the three men yanked her to her feet and dragged her away like a ragdoll to the carriage.
She didn't have the spirit to run when they had barged in through her door, she didn't have the spirit to run away now. A few townspeople, some returning from a long day's work, other leaving early for a day ahead, stopped to stare at the commotion on the street.
Such was human nature to stare at observe danger rather than acknowledge the problem. So the grown men stood there, watching a young girl be dragged by her head scarf to the carriage that waited ajar.
A carriage headed to Sheesh Mahal no doubt, they thought.
~|~
Arnav swirled the amber liquid one last time before bringing it to his mouth and letting the toxin flow down his throat.
She would be here soon.
Finally, moving from his stationary position, Arnav walked to the ledge that protruded above the grand fire place. Clutching the bottle of cognac in one hand, he poured the liquid into his chalice.
Once again Arnav moved to his seat, beginning to swirl the liquid in his crystal again and again, while losing himself to his thoughts.
~|~
Khushi slouched against the corner of the carriage, and she wrapped her head scarf around her body. She itched to remove the clothes she wore and to slip into something more comfortable. Her mind, however, made no plans or thoughts on how to escape her predicament.
Khushi wondered at herself, amused by the way she was considering comfortable clothes over saving her life. It was the first part of acceptance, she determined. Gone was her old self which seeked a solution to every problem, which fought back everything she opposed in a fiery rigor rarely seen in many of her town.
The carriage came to an abrupt stop, jolting her back to reality. Fear constricted her heart as she saw the building which loomed before her. Before the fear could settle in, two arms reached for her and pulled her out of the carriage. They were too rough, for her gentle body slammed into the snow packed ground and she winced against the pain in her head.
Hands were upon her again as she was lifted up and taken inside the building. The fear which had once failed in settling, settled as Khushi was brought into the mansion. It traveled to the pit of her stomach and constricted her throat. Fresh tears sprang into her eyes as she noticed the room to which she was led.
~|~
The lighting in the room cast shadows to everything solid and covered the room in shadows. Khushi kept her eyes down, but her whimpers became more audible as she was thrown in front of a pair of feet.
"Malik." The servant bowed, motioning towards Khushi.
Khushi kept her head down, her rapid breathing shaking her body. Chills traveled up her spine in an excruciatingly slow pace, disturbing her to her core.
He crouched before her and slowly brought his hand to her head. In an instant, unexpectedly, he ripped of her head scarf, leaving her feeling exposed.
Khushi wrapped her arms around herself, cowering into the ground, refusing to meet his eyes.
"You made me wait. I'm not a patient man, Khushi." Arnav spoke, bending down and grasping her chin in his hands. Khushi breathed rapidly through her mouth, the sobs on the verge of erupting, yet she kept her eyes lowered he brought her face directly to face his.
Arnav stood up abruptly, snatching his fingers away from her face, and faced his servants. "Take her to my chamber." He ordered, his emotionless voice cold.
Khushi audibly gasped at his command, the fury that she thought dead rising from its ashes. "You have no right!" She cried, trying desperately to sound strong.
Arnav's body froze before it slowly turned to face Khushi. Like a snake lowering onto its prey, Arnav's body crouched before Khushi's.
"Aacha? Aren't you forgetting something?" He asked, his tone a mocking shade of soft, the underlying steeliness of it terrifying Khushi.
"I have every right."
Khushi recoiled from his fingers as they went towards her neck and snatched the piece of jewelry that lay hidden under her clothes. Arnav slowly brought the mangalsutra on her neck towards her eyes.
"I own you." He whispered through his teeth, his eyes glinting like that of a merciless predator.
***
A/N: So, is it a bit more clear? Kind of? No? Surprised? No? Let me know in the comments! Like I said this is not my traditional style so bear with me. Hope you enjoyed! -Ann
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