AUTHOR'S POV

26 March 2023

The morning unfolded strangely at the Thakur mansion. Unlike usual days, Vani wasn't being yelled at by Veeneta ( her mother) , nor was Amit ( her father ) fuming with rage at her incompetence. Yash( her younger brother) , who normally slept until noon, was already up and dressed. The atmosphere was eerily calm, but Vani knew better than to trust such stillness.

Veeneta was dolled up, her makeup flawless, and even Amit and Yash were dressed in their finest to appear presentable. They had even handed Vani an old, worn-out salwar suit, slightly more presentable than her usual rags. As she slipped into the faded pink fabric, her heart pounded with dread. She had a terrible feeling she was being sold off again-just like last time.

"Sir, please... I'll do whatever you ask. Just don't send me to that uncle again..."

"I've given my word. It's only for one night. Now go and do as you're told."

The chilling memory gripped her, making her knees buckle. She would have spiraled deeper into her nightmare if Malti, the old housemaid, hadn't placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Vanu, go change quickly before that daayan ( witch ) comes and sees you," Malti whispered with urgency, her eyes filled with worry.

Vani hummed softly in response, her throat too tight to form words. Malti was the only one who showed her kindness in this house. She often took the blame for Vani's mistakes to protect her from Veeneta's wrath, and that love was the only thing keeping Vani from completely breaking.

Dressed and ready, Vani stood silently, her head bowed as Veeneta applied layers of makeup to hide the bruises on her face and neck. Her touch was rough, her words sharper.

"Behave properly," Veeneta hissed, her eyes narrowing in warning. "If we lose this deal, I'll send you to that uncle again. And this time, it won't be for a night... but for a lifetime."

Vani's body went cold, her hands trembling as memories of pain and humiliation crashed over her. She barely nodded before Veeneta stormed out, leaving her with a dull ache pulsing through her thighs-a cruel reminder of her past.

Later that day...

In the hall, Vidyut Russo entered, flanked by a group of bodyguards. His presence commanded silence, his aura dripping with raw power. His cold, calculating gaze swept over the room, making Amit shift uncomfortably.

"Give me my money, Thakur," Vidyut growled, his voice a quiet threat. "Or prepare to meet your maker."

Amit's hands shook as he tried to maintain a facade of confidence. He swallowed hard before speaking.

"P-Please, Mr. Russo... sit down. I... I have something more valuable than money to offer."

Vidyut's sharp eyes narrowed, and his fingers flexed over the grip of his gun.

"I don't have the money," Amit confessed, his tone desperate, "but I can give you my daughter, Vani. She's... obedient, well-trained, and she will do whatever you ask. She'll keep you happy. Please... take her."

For a moment, the room fell deathly silent. Then, Vidyut let out a low, humorless laugh, the sound laced with menace.

"Do I look like a pimp to you, Thakur?" he sneered, pulling out his gun and pressing it against Amit's temple. "You think I deal in women? That I'd take your daughter as payment?"

Amit's confidence shattered as he trembled under the deadly gaze of a man who was far more dangerous than he had imagined.

Amit spoke up again, desperation dripping from his words.

"Sir... at least take a look at her first," he pleaded, his voice quivering. "She's valuable to me... my daughter... the most precious thing in my life. If I'm offering her, doesn't that tell you how desperate I am? I have nothing left... take her, and consider it payment."

Vidyut's sharp eyes narrowed. He could see right through Amit's pathetic lies. The man wasn't offering his daughter out of love-this was nothing but a last-ditch attempt to save his own skin.

Suddenly, Amit clapped his hands, and Malti emerged from the shadows, guiding a fragile figure forward. Vani. Her eyes were downcast, her posture timid, as if she was trying to disappear into herself.

VIDYUT'S POV

I was dealing with a pathetic excuse of a businessman. Amit had borrowed 50 lakh from me and was now dragging his feet to pay it back. I could've easily ended him and his miserable family by now, taken whatever I wanted, and been done with it. But the bastard insisted he had something valuable to offer, something that required me to come to his house personally.

I figured-why not? I hadn't killed anyone in a while, and practicing my aim on them sounded like a decent way to pass the time.

When I arrived, the three of them looked as though they were heading to a wedding, all dressed up as if appearances could hide the filth beneath. I scoffed at the absurdity. And then Amit, in his infinite stupidity, offered to sell me his daughter.

I didn't even know he had a daughter. None of my men had mentioned it. But before I could tell him what a fool he was, an older woman entered the room, dragging a mere slip of a girl behind her.

And that's when I saw her.

Her head was bowed, her eyes fixed on the floor as if she feared making eye contact. Layers of makeup were caked on her face-too thick, too obvious-an attempt to conceal what lay beneath. But I noticed the small details. Her milky white skin peeking through her hands and feet, untouched by makeup. Her lips, painted haphazardly, the edges uneven. Her long hair fell over her face, barely hiding the tremor in her body.

She was terrified. And yet... she was breathtaking.

Her long lashes cast shadows on her cheeks, which were sunken in, as though she hadn't eaten properly in years. Her collarbones jutted out, sharp and delicate, a silent testament to her suffering. Everything about her screamed fragility... but something stirred inside me.

For the first time in my life, a woman had... done something to me. I couldn't take my eyes off her.

And then Amit ruined the moment.

"Should I confirm the deal?" he asked, his voice eager, as if he'd already won.

I didn't answer immediately. My brain screamed no. I didn't trust people, especially not spineless cowards like Amit. But my heart... it was pounding so loud I could feel it in my throat.

And for the first time, I listened to it.

I gave a curt nod.

"Deal."

A single tear was threatening to escape from her eyes, clinging to the edge of her lashes. My jaw clenched, and a sudden, inexplicable rage surged through me. I wanted to wipe it away... to take her in my arms and shield her from whatever demons haunted her. But I couldn't. Not yet.

Amit's irritating voice shattered the moment.

"Veeneta, Malti, pack her belongings. Do it carefully," he ordered, his tone businesslike, as if he were discussing packing up an object-not a human being.

Both women nodded and took the girl with them. Girl. I didn't even know her name.

Arghh, shit.

But I had all the time in the world to figure that out.

A while later, the three of them returned. And there she was... my rabbit.

Wait... what?

Did I... just give her a nickname? I'd never given anyone a nickname in my life. But somehow, it felt right. She looked like a frightened little rabbit-delicate, scared, and ready to bolt at the slightest threat. Until I knew her name, 'rabbit' would do just fine.

Rabbit came back with only a small bag, her hands trembling as she held it close. She was now wearing a dupatta draped over her fragile frame, and her heels-too high for her comfort-made her stumble slightly. Amit and Veeneta were giving her fake, hollow goodbyes, but I ignored them, focusing on the contract in my hands.

The words disgusted me.

It was clearly written-Amit had settled his 50 lakh debt by giving me his daughter. His daughter. And now, according to this filthy piece of paper, she was my property.

I clenched my jaw.

This man deserves to die.

But my attention was pulled back to one detail in the contract that caught my eye.

Vani Thakur.

Her name. Vani.

I repeated it in my head, but something felt off. No... it didn't fit her anymore.

Vani Vidyut Russo.

Now that had a better ring to it.

Shit.

This girl was already weaving her way into my thoughts, tangling me in her web.

As I signed the contract, I noticed a genuine moment of warmth between Malti and Vani. The maid hugged her tightly, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. It was the only real affection Vani had received all day. And then, it was time to leave.

We walked out of the mansion, and I moved ahead, my pace naturally swift, but I noticed my rabbit lagging behind. Her small frame struggled to keep up, so I slowed down and opened the car door for her.

She hesitated for a moment before sitting down, and just as she did, a pained sound escaped her lips.

"Aunch..."

Her voice was so soft, so low, that even a sneeze would've been louder.

My brows furrowed instantly.

What the hell was that?

But I couldn't figure out what was wrong. Not yet. I circled the car and slid into my seat as the driver started the engine.

The entire ride was silent.

My eyes kept drifting toward her, catching glimpses of her trembling hands and the way her fingers nervously fidgeted with the edge of her dupatta.

She was terrified. And for some reason, that didn't sit well with me.

Later...

We finally reached my bungalow. The driver moved to open her door, but I stopped him and did it myself. I extended my hand, offering her support as she stepped out.

The moment her feet touched the ground, another soft whimper escaped her lips.

"Anhh..."

It was barely audible, but this time, I saw it.

A drop of blood.

What the...

My eyes sharpened, and before she could protest, I scooped her into my arms.

"Sir-"

"Quiet," I growled softly, carrying her inside.

She was too light-fragile, like glass that could shatter in my arms. I placed her gently on the living room sofa and knelt in front of her.

When I reached for her foot, she instinctively pulled it back.

Once.
Twice.
Three times.

My patience snapped.

I shot her a dangerous glare, and her eyes widened with fear.

"Don't." My voice was low, laced with warning.

Her lips quivered as she finally relented, letting me take her foot in my hands. As I carefully removed her sandal, a sharp hiss of pain escaped her.

More blood.

My jaw clenched when I saw the source-a piece of glass embedded in her heel. It had cut deep, leaving a nasty gash that was now oozing blood.

"Get the first aid kit," I barked, my voice echoing through the room.

As I examined her foot, I felt my anger simmering.

How the fuck did this happen?

Her pain was now mine. And whether she liked it or not...

She was mine.

After bandaging her foot, I carried her to our room. Yes, our room. There was no way I was letting her stay anywhere else. But she hadn't looked at me once. Not even a glance. Her head remained downcast, and whenever I said something-or when she tried to speak-only a faint murmur escaped her lips.

I placed her gently on the bed, and a servant arrived with her bag.

One look at her and I could tell she was uncomfortable in that worn-out salwar suit. It didn't fit her properly, and I couldn't understand why she was still wearing it.

Why the hell is she dressed like this?

I called a maid and instructed her, "Make her wear something comfortable."

I could've done it myself, but the way she flinched around me... I didn't want to force anything on her. Not yet.

I stood outside the room, giving her space, but the maid returned far too quickly.

"Sir..." she hesitated, her voice laced with concern. "She doesn't have any proper clothes in that bag. Everything is either torn, worn out, oversized, or too small. None of them are fit to wear. And..." she paused, her tone dropping, "she's not letting us touch her."

My jaw clenched.

Fucking hell.

.・。.・゜✭・
________________________________________________________

Hello Everyone

Hope you all liked the chapter

Shower all your love on our new couple

MR. VIDYUT VANI RUSSO ( WOLF )
X
MRS. VANI VIDYUT RUSSO ( RABBIT )

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Your author

CHRONIC

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