VIDYUT'S POV

Uh… yes, sir. Understood.”

“Anything else?”

Lucas hesitated for a moment. “Actually, yes, sir. We’ve traced the source of the leak—the one who exposed confidential details about your company and got hold of the secret society’s upcoming meeting invite.”

“Who is it?”

“He’s the son of a powerful underworld figure. Dangerous, connected. If we don’t eliminate him soon, he’ll become a threat to the clan.”

“Then we do what we must. When?”

“Day after tomorrow. Italy.”

“Fine. I’ll handle it personally. Inform me of the details.”

“Yes, sir.”

With that, I ended the call.

My eyes drifted to the door Vani had disappeared through.

She was my peace in a life of war.

And I would burn the world if it meant keeping her untouched by its ashes.

But the dark world is calling me again.

And I can’t forget the way she had run to me after that night—the night I returned from putting down the puppet who leaked our secrets… just because someone bought his loyalty.

She had clung to me like I was her only anchor. Her body trembling. Her eyes searching mine for something—safety, maybe… or sanity.

And that moment shattered something in me.

I never want to see her like that again.

Next month isn’t going to be safe for me—not with the secret society gathering and the enemies circling like wolves. If she stays close, she’ll be caught in the storm.

I should let her go.

After all… it’s not like she wants to stay.

Yeah. That’s the right decision.

Tomorrow, I’ll take her to the college. The one I bought for her. I’ll leave her there—with a security detail so tight that even the shadows won’t be able to reach her.

This is for her.

For her freedom. For her dreams. For her safety.

But… what about me?

When did I start becoming selfless?

My heart whispered the answer:
The moment I fell in love with her.

Damn it.

I’ve never felt this torn. I want her—more than anything—but I can’t keep her. Not without putting her at risk.

Be a man, Vidyut.
Strong decisions never broke you before.

Let her go.

Even if it breaks you now.

I was tangled in my own thoughts, but when I entered our room, the sight before me softened every edge in me.

She was lying on the bed, holding her bunny close, whispering to it like it was her secret keeper.

“Bunny, what do you think? Will Mr. Russo let me study? He’s not like my father… he didn’t like me studying at all…”

A small smile touched my lips. At least she sees hope in me.
I cleared my throat gently, not wanting to startle her, just enough to pull her attention toward me.

Her eyes widened when she saw me standing there.

I walked over, sat on the bed beside her, and pulled her gently into my lap. She came with hesitation—always so conscious about my comfort.

“This might be the last night I have her close,” I thought, the words weighing down my chest.

“Vani, can you stay in my lap tonight?” I asked softly.

She blinked at me, confused. “But Mr. Russo… won’t it be uncomfortable for you?”

I held her tighter.
“Please, Vani. I won’t do anything… just stay close to my heart. Let me hold you, just for tonight.”

She hesitated for a moment, then slowly nestled against my chest. Her warmth seeped into me, burning me from the inside with every second. I didn’t want to let go.

I stayed quiet, afraid that even a whisper of feeling would unravel me completely.

She started playing with the buttons on my shirt—counting them like they were some kind of puzzle, then ran her fingers gently along my beard. Her innocent stare made it even harder. My chest clenched with the weight of tomorrow.

I’ll be sending her away… and it’ll break me.

Back to my world without her. Empty. Cold. Violent.

Just when I was sinking into that void, her soft voice pulled me back.

“Are you upset?”

I blinked down at her.
“No, rabbit.”

“But you seem like you are…”

I smiled faintly and brushed her hair back.
“Just tired. That’s all.”

“We’re going somewhere tomorrow ” I said

“ Where?? ”asked, trying to pry with those hopeful eyes.

“ it’s a surprise.”

“Tell me, na…” she pouted, but I only kissed her forehead and stood up.

“Change into something comfortable. I’ll be in the bathroom.”

Because if I stayed one more second near her, I might have never send away from me
And that… would be the most selfish thing I’ve ever done.

As we returned, I settled on the bed, pulling her gently into my lap. She curled into me, restless at first—twisting and turning, searching for the perfect spot. And then, as if the stars finally aligned, she stilled. Ten minutes later, she surrendered to sleep, breathing softly against my chest.

But I couldn’t sleep. Not even close.

All I did was stare at her—her fragile peace, her gentle breaths—and curse my fate. How cruel is it to finally find love, only to know I can’t keep it?

I want to change everything. I wish I could. But I can't.

She doesn't belong in this darkness. She's a star—meant to shine in the sky, not fall into my hell.

The night stretched endlessly, filled with a hollow ache, as if she had already left. Even though she was right there in my arms, I felt the weight of tomorrow creeping in. The goodbye I wasn’t ready for. The reality I didn’t want.

When morning came, it was supposed to be gym time. But how could I move? This might be the last day I had with my little rabbit. I couldn't waste a second.

Eventually, I had to get up—reluctantly, painfully. I laid her down gently, tucking the blanket around her so she could keep sleeping while I stepped away... pretending like I was okay.

VANI’S POV 

I woke up to the gentle brush of fingers against my cheek. My eyes fluttered open to find Vidyut already dressed—black shirt, sleeves rolled up, collar slightly open. He looked like a storm in still waters. His eyes were on me—soft, unreadable.

I didn’t even realize when he shifted me from his lap to the bed. I had been sleeping so peacefully in his arms.

“Good morning, rabbit,” he said, his voice deep and warm, pulling me out of my dream.

“Good morning,” I whispered back, rubbing my eyes. “Are you going somewhere?”

He gave me a small smile. “Yes. But we both are. I told you yesterday—remember? It's a surprise.”

A sleepy smile tugged at my lips. “Where are we going?”

He chuckled, but there was something in his smile—like he was trying to hide something. “You’ll know soon. Just get ready. I’ll wait downstairs.”

He left the room and I got up, still trying to shake off the sleep. After a long, refreshing bath, I dressed in my favourite jeans and a soft kurta. A few accessories, a touch of makeup, and a spritz of my perfume later—I was ready. My heart thudded with excitement. He hadn’t given me a hint, but the way he was today—calm on the outside, stormy underneath—it felt... different.

I came downstairs but couldn’t find him in the hall. The butler told me he was outside. I stepped out and spotted him near the car, talking to a man in a suit—probably his manager.

“Ready?” he asked, opening the car door for me.

I nodded and slipped in. The ride was quiet, the soft hum of music playing in the background. He kept glancing at me, then took my hand in his. His fingers were warm, but I could feel the tension. His veins were popping—something I’d noticed happened when he was angry or in pain.

Was he angry?
Did I do something?
No... maybe it’s work.

The car stopped in front of a beautiful, sprawling campus. I leaned forward, reading the nameboard—and gasped.

“Wait… this is the college we saw online! The super expensive one!”

I looked at him, wide-eyed. He just smiled and stepped out, coming around to open my door.

“Come. Let’s go inside.”

Still confused, I followed him like a lost kitten, holding onto his pinky like it was my Google Maps. Inside the main building, a group of people waited—men in suits, the principal, even the head of admissions. Everyone smiled the moment they saw him.

“Good morning, Mr. Russo,” they greeted in unison.

My eyes darted between them and him.
Does he do business here too?
Why did he bring me?
Maybe so I could see the place?
I like that idea... hehe.

One of the administrators stepped forward, smiling warmly at me.
“You must be Mrs. Vani Russo. Welcome to your new college.”

I blinked. Completely stunned.

One week ago, I was Vani Thakur. And now... this?

“I—I’m not… Russo, I mean. I am no—”

Vidyut’s arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me flush against him.

“She is mine. That’s all they need to know.”

I looked up at him, shocked. He remained calm, unreadable.

We walked into the principal’s office—it was big and intimidating, all polished wood and silence. Suddenly, a woman in a suit entered. Vidyut’s eyes flicked to mine before he gestured for everyone else to leave the room.

He pulled me into a tight hug—so fierce, so sudden, like he was afraid I’d vanish into thin air.

“Mr.Russo ” I mumbled against his chest. “What happened, Mr. Russo?”

He didn’t answer immediately. Just held me tighter for five long seconds before slowly pulling back. His rough, calloused hands cupped my face gently, the contrast of his touch and his intensity making my heart beat faster.

“Nothing,” he said, but his voice was thick—like he was swallowing something back. “Just… promise me you’ll take care of yourself when I’m not around. And if anything happens—even the smallest thing that bothers you—you’ll tell me, immediately. Okay?”

His gaze burned into mine, and something about it made my stomach twist. There were emotions swimming in his eyes—ones I couldn’t name. Fear? Sadness? Regret?

I nodded, softly. “Yeah… I will. Promise.”

But my heart wasn’t calm. Not entirely. There was this strange pull inside me, a whisper that something was off.

Still… he’s Mr. Russo. Nothing bad can happen when he’s with me. Right?

He was about to say something else when his phone pinged—a sharp message alert. His entire posture changed in an instant. He took a single step back, eyes scanning the screen, jaw clenching.

Then, in a loud voice, he called out, “Come in.”

The doors opened immediately, and the people from earlier returned. Without looking at me, he turned to the suited woman and said, “Take her outside. Now.”

I stared at him, confused. He never did this. Even when busy, he never sent me away—not like this.

Still, I followed the woman. But I couldn’t stop glancing back.

He was watching me too, his expression unreadable, his body rigid—as if he was holding himself back from doing something reckless.

I don’t know why, but every step away from him felt like I was walking away from safety. And into something unknown.

AUTHOR’S POV

Vani sat quietly outside the room, her fingers nervously twisting the ends of her kurta. Confusion clouded her eyes. What was happening? She kept looking at the closed door, hoping it would open, hoping her Mr. Russo would call her back in.

Inside the room, Vidyut stood facing the principal, his aura heavy and dark.

“She is mine,” his voice was low, cold, and lethal. “If anything happens to her, I will kill you in halves. I want access to all the cameras, every damn detail about this college, and anything—everything—related to her.”

The principal nodded quickly, sweat forming at his temples.

“And one more thing,” Vidyut added, his voice even sharper. “Build her a home. Right here. A lavish one. Fully furnished, fully secured. She shouldn’t need to step out for anything. Not even to breathe.”

The principal could barely find his voice. “Y-Yes, sir.”

He still couldn’t wrap his head around the fact that overnight, their prestigious campus had been sold to a mafia gang. No meetings, no transition—just power, money, and fear.

But Vidyut wasn’t focused on any of that.

His storm was internal.

His heart was tearing apart with every glance toward the glass window where he could see Vani, obliviously waiting for him. She looked so innocent, so trusting. And it was killing him.

He sat down, hands trembling, and pulled a piece of paper toward him. Every word he wrote felt like carving his soul open. His eyes lifted every few seconds—just to look at her again. Like he was trying to memorize her.

Trying to say goodbye without saying it out loud.

She can’t see me leave, he told himself. If she does, I won’t be able to walk away.

His fingers clenched the pen as he wrote the last line. A whisper of his soul inked on paper.

He stood up, eyes glued to her like it was the last time he’d breathe. He cursed the universe under his breath. Why her? Why now?

He didn’t want to leave her.

But he had to.

If she smiled without him—his heart would shatter.

If she cried—he’d never forgive himself for letting her.

He didn’t want either.

Because if she cried, he’d run to her, pull her into his arms, and never let her go again.

But this wasn’t about what he wanted.

It was about what she deserved.

And he—wasn’t it.

He wanted her.
He needed her.
But did she want him the same way? Did she need him?

He didn’t know.

The clock ticked mercilessly. His flight to Italy for a deadly mission was waiting.

He folded the note and handed it to the principal. “Give this to her after I leave,” he said, voice sharp and final.

Before stepping out the back door, he turned once more.

And clicked a picture of her.

His rabbit.

The girl who calmed his storms without even knowing it.

Then he disappeared into the silence.

Meanwhile, Vani was still seated, swinging her feet slightly, glancing at the door, waiting to be called back. All she wanted was to return to her safe place—his arms. Not knowing the safest place she’d ever known had just walked away.

A moment later, the principal called Vani into his office. Her eyes darted around the room—searching.

But he wasn’t there.

Panic settled like a stone in her stomach.

“Where is he?” she asked before the principal could say a word.

The man hesitated, clearing his throat. “He’s gone. He left… said you’re to stay here. He wants you to study.”

The words hit her like a hurricane.

Gone?

The ground beneath her feet felt like it had split apart. The room spun. Her breath caught in her throat.

“No…” she whispered, eyes wide, trembling. “No, this can’t happen. He’ll come back… he has to come back. He wouldn't just leave me like this…”

She was shaking now, her voice breaking as her thoughts raced faster than her heart.

If he wanted to leave me… then why did he hold me so gently?
Why did he make me feel safe?
Why did he pamper me, protect me, care for me like I was his whole world?
Why did he let me sleep in his lap yesterday, holding me like I was fragile glass?
Did he get tired of me?
Did he hate me…?

Tears brimmed in her eyes. But deep down, beneath the chaos, she knew—she had seen it in his eyes. That look. That love.

It wasn’t fake. It couldn't have been.

While Vani was breaking down, spiraling in the storm of confusion and abandonment, the principal handed a key to the security woman Vidyut had assigned to take care of her.

“It’s for her temporary hostel room,” he said. “It’s summer break—she’ll be alone there. Shouldn’t be a problem.”

The woman walked toward Vani, calling her name softly at first, then more firmly. But Vani didn’t respond—her world had stopped turning.

She was lost in him.

The woman took her hand and gently tried to guide her out of the building. As they stepped outside, the skies opened up. Heavy rain poured down without mercy. The woman ran for cover, but Vani stood still.

Unmoving.

Soaked to the skin, head tilted up to the dark sky, letting the rain drown her heartbreak.

Ignoring the calls from the security, she slowly walked to the main gate. Her knees gave out and she collapsed to the ground.

Rain and tears mixed on her face as she sobbed, shaking violently.

“Why me, God?” she whispered through the rain. “Why always me…?”

“I didn’t get my parents’ love…
Not my sibling’s affection…
No friends in school…
And that uncle—he used me… took advantage of me…
And now, now you send me a man who made me feel safe… made me believe I was worthy of love…
And then you took him too?”

She cried, screamed, cursed fate—her voice raw with agony. The silent girl who once accepted everything as destiny was now begging for change.

She wanted him.

She needed him.

But that same question haunted her again…

Did he want her?

Because the way he left… it didn’t feel like love.

Neither of them knew that they both were breaking without the other. That they both were dying silently in different corners of the world—longing, aching, desperate.

The rain kept pouring all night, and Vani stayed there—drenched, shivering, numb. The storm mirrored her pain. The lightning cracked like her heart, and the wind howled like her silent screams.

She didn’t move.

She couldn’t.

She didn’t want shelter. She wanted him.

As morning broke and the rain finally stopped, the security girl rushed to her.

“Have you gone mad?” she yelled. “We called you the whole night! If you behave like this, sir will punish me! Now get up and act like an adult—you’re not a child!”

She grabbed Vani roughly, dragging her up.

Vani didn’t protest. Her body moved, but her soul… stayed behind.

The woman shoved open the hostel room and pushed her in.

“Change your clothes. I’ll bring breakfast.”

And with that, the door shut.

And Vani was alone again.

The weight of leaving her felt heavier than anything he had ever carried.

He sat in his private charter, the engines roaring beneath him, but all he could hear was her voice in his mind.

“What happened, Mr. Russo?”
“You’ll come back, right?”
That smile. That innocence. That blind trust in him…

He clenched his jaw, pushing back the emotion threatening to crack through. He had done it for her—left her so she wouldn’t suffer because of him. So she could have a future untouched by blood, violence, and the sins that ran in his veins.

He popped a sleeping pill the moment the flight took off.

Because if he stayed awake, all he’d do was think about her. About how he didn’t even say goodbye. About how she looked at him like he hung the damn stars.

And he left her.

Alone.

In a place where she had no one. No family. No past. Nothing but him. And now even he was gone.

But it was for her good… wasn’t it?

As the flight cut through the dark skies, Vidyut lay back, eyes shut but sleep evading him. Even the pill couldn’t silence the war inside him.

By the time they landed in Italy, dawn had started to bleed across the sky. He stepped out onto foreign soil, but his heart remained on Indian ground—with her.

Before anything else, he typed out a message to the security girl he’d assigned to Vani:

“Send me her photo. I want to know what she’s doing right now. I don’t care if the camera access is pending. You’re her eyes. You’re her voice. Tell me everything.”

He hit send.

But the message hung in the air—undelivered.

Low signal.

Of course.

Frustrated, he pocketed the phone. He didn’t have time to obsess over it right now—he had a mission to finish. A deadly one.

The rival gang had already made the first move, and tonight was retaliation. Ruthless, clean, final.

Still, something gnawed at him.

A strange feeling. Not fear—he was too cold for that.
Not regret—he didn’t believe in it.
But this… it was something like guilt. Like his chest had a crack and she was pouring through it.

He hadn’t eaten. Hadn’t taken a sip of water.

Just strategies. Guns. Codes. Kill lists.

He didn’t know that while he was preparing for war…
She was outside.
In the rain.
Drenched.
Crying.
Alone.

He couldn’t even imagine her breaking like that, because he thought she’d be mad. That she'd scream, throw something, maybe cry a little—but not shatter.

Not like this.

The next morning, he finally checked his phone.

The message had delivered.

But there was no reply.

His eyes darkened. Anger curled in his gut.

Why the hell isn’t she responding?

He was about to call when another urgent update came through from his team. He shoved the phone back in his pocket, forcing himself to walk into the bloodbath he was born for.

But with every step he took toward death,
he kept wondering—

Is she even okay?

Or did he just destroy the only innocent thing he ever had?

・。.・゜✭・

_________________________________________________________

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