VANI’S POV

I didn’t move.

I couldn’t.

The room felt cold, not because of the rain-soaked clothes clinging to my skin, but because he wasn’t here. Mr. Russo wasn’t here.

I sat on the floor, knees to my chest, mind spiraling through every moment we’d shared—his warmth, his protectiveness, his promises. And then… nothing.

Gone.

He left me.

Why?

Did I say something?
Do something?
Was I too much? Not enough?

My thoughts crashed against each other like a violent storm, and just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, the door burst open.

That girl entered again—my so-called "security."

She looked at me like I was filth on the floor.

Her voice sliced through the silence. “I told you to change! Why didn’t you?”

I didn’t respond. My body was here, but everything else was still chasing after him.

Before I could even blink, slap!

A sting exploded across my cheek. My head turned from the impact, but the pain in my chest still hurt more.

“Stop living in a dream! He’s gone!” she shouted. “Here—take the damn clothes and change. Or I’ll do it for you.”

I touched my cheek—her fingerprints burning against my skin. Not once… not once had Mr. Russo raised his voice at me. Even in his angriest moments, he had spoken with control, never cruelty.

And the second he leaves…

This is what I become?

No one.

Nothing.

I didn’t protest. Didn’t speak. I changed into the clothes with trembling hands. Not because I wanted to—but because fighting felt pointless now.

She shoved a plate at me like I was some stray dog, muttered something about taking a picture, and snapped one before I could look up.

Then I heard the click of the lock behind her.

She left.

And locked the door.

I sat down again.

Same floor.

Same silence.

But this time, with a face that burned… and a heart that bled.

Mr. Russo… where are you?

You said you’d protect me… then why does it feel like the world is tearing me apart the second you’re not here?

VIDYUT’S POV 

The day ended with blood on my hands—and peace nowhere in sight.

I had done what I came here for. Every rival that dared to threaten me was now a pile of flesh and regret, carved apart by my blades in the most brutal, merciless way imaginable. I didn’t blink. I didn’t hesitate. I wanted the violence to quiet the storm inside me.

But it didn’t.

The moment I was alone, I reached for my phone—ignoring the burn of injuries on my back, wounds that probably needed tending.

A message had finally arrived.

A photo of my rabbit.

My breath caught.

She looked… quiet. Still. Dressed, dry, fed—but there was something off.

Too perfect.

My eyes narrowed. The picture had been edited—I could tell. Her skin is too smooth, her eyes too clear. I know her. Even ten minutes of crying makes her eyes puff like a baby raccoon.

But here… no signs.

Which means either she didn’t cry—which I refuse to believe—or someone tried to erase the proof that she did.

Why?

What are they hiding from me?

Anger surged in my veins, mixing with worry until it turned into something sharp and unbearable. My fists clenched around the phone.

I should’ve never left her.

Just one more night, I reminded myself. One night and I’ll fly back tomorrow evening. I’ll return without anyone knowing… I’ll watch her, observe her, see her with my own eyes before letting anyone know I’m there.

Because if something did happen… they won’t live to see another sunrise.

That night, I didn’t sleep.

I just stared at her picture—the one I took secretly while she was adjusting her hair , focused on her reflection. She had no idea I was watching.

My rabbit.

So fragile. So soft.

And maybe right now… broken.

And I wasn’t there to hold her.

VANI’S POV 

I was crouched on the floor, knees pulled to my chest, my hair clinging to my damp cheeks. The walls around me felt like they were closing in, silent witnesses to my fall.

A knock broke the silence.

The door creaked open, and the principal stepped in. His eyes flicked over my sunken form, guilt shadowing his expression. He held something out.

“He left you this note. Please… have it.”

I didn’t speak. Just reached out with trembling fingers and snatched the paper from his hand, my heart already hammering as I unfolded it.

Mr. Russo’s handwriting.

My breath hitched as I read.

My eyes scanned the page, the words blurring through my tears as his voice echoed in my mind—low, calm, painfully familiar.

---

Rabbit,

If you’re reading this… it means I’ve already left. I didn’t have the courage to say goodbye to your face, because I know I would’ve never walked away if I did please forgive your Mr. Russo for this

You’re probably hurt, confused, maybe even angry—and you have every right to be. But believe me when I say this: leaving you was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

You are the only softness I’ve ever known, the only place my darkness ever felt seen.

I’ve made enemies, Rabbit. Ones who don’t care who they hurt to reach me. And if staying with you meant putting you in their line of fire… then walking away was the only way I could think to protect you.

I’ve made sure you’re safe. This college is safest for you . The place you live, the people around you—handpicked for your comfort. But if anyone ever so much as raises their voice at you, I’ll return like a storm they won’t survive.

I know you hate me now. Maybe you'll never forgive me. But don’t ever think, even for a second, that I left because I don't want you, I want you every second of my life which I breath

You're my oxygen

The problem is I am not the right person for you, you have to study for your future and if anytime in between you want me with all the cons of mine in which you have to survive with me then….

I’ll come back

But if you didn't also I will come back when it’s safe—when I’ve cleaned this blood off my hands. And if you still want me then… I’ll be yours completely.

But even if you don’t…

You will always be mine.
And I am yours and always yours.

Forever,
—Your Mr. Russo

---

The paper fell from my hands.

And I broke.

My body collapsed again, shaking as sobs tore through me. Each word of that letter stabbed into me like shards of glass. He left… not because he wanted to, but because he thought it was better for me.

But how can this pain be better?

How can breathing without him feel like survival and not life?

I pressed my forehead to the floor, hugging my arms around myself.

That woman came into the room again to check if I had eaten. The moment she saw the untouched plate, she squatted down near me and gripped my jaw tightly.

“Don’t eat, then. Starve. You’re not getting anything else for the night,” she snapped, her voice dripping with cruelty.

Something about the way she held my face… it reminded me of my mother. Cold. Distant. Harsh. But back then, I had Malti Maa to hold me when it hurt. And after that… I had Mr. Russo. Now, there’s no one. No one to care. Not even someone to talk to me like I’m human.

She slammed the door shut behind her. The echo lingered, just like the emptiness inside me.

I don’t remember when I fell asleep, still curled on the floor, clutching memories of Mr. Russo and Malti Maa like fragile glass.

The next morning, I woke up burning. My body felt like it was lying on fire. Every limb ached. My skin was hot, like I’d been thrown onto a furnace. I rushed to the bathroom and threw up violently, my hands clutching the sink for balance.

I’m sick… I think I’m sick.

But who cares?

Who’s ever cared?

He left me. He just… left. Without asking. Without saying why. Why didn’t he talk to me?

I needed air. I couldn’t breathe in that room—it reminded me too much of the suffocation I felt back in the Thakur Haveli. So I opened the door and stepped out, dizzy and swaying, my head pounding.

The dean was nearby. I bowed out of habit, trying to show respect… but my vision was already fading. My knees buckled, sounds began to blur.

That woman appeared again, patting my cheek—lightly at first, then urgently.

But I couldn’t hold on.

Everything around me spun into blackness

VIDYUT’S POV 

It was morning, and I was in the final meeting of the day, surrounded by my core mafia members, discussing next month’s underground clan gathering. My focus was absolute—until my assistant leaned in and whispered:

“Sir, we just received word… Ma’am has been admitted to the hospital. Emergency case.”

The room spun.

Vani… in a hospital?

“What the hell did you just say?” I asked, already pushing my chair back.

“We don’t know the details, sir. Only that it’s critical.”

“Ready the jet. We’re flying back to India. This meeting can burn for all I care.”

My heart thundered. I had left her in someone’s care. Then how did this happen? Was she sick—or worse, did something push her to this? No. No. My bunny isn’t weak. She’s my strength in softness.

I’m coming, baby. Just hold on.

---

Time Skip – 5 hours later

We landed in India. I didn’t wait for formalities. The moment the wheels hit the runway, I snatched my car keys and sped off, my assistant in the passenger seat.

I reached the hospital, tires screeching. I didn’t bother parking—just left the car at the entrance and ran in.

The principal was already there.

I didn’t even think. My hand flew, slapping him hard across the face. I grabbed his collar and growled through gritted teeth.

“You had one job—to take care of my rabbit for two damn days. And now she’s in a hospital bed? If she’s not how I left her, I swear, I won’t hesitate to bury you with my own hands.”

I shoved him away and stormed toward the ICU floor. Outside her room, that woman I had put in charge stood there, pale. If she weren’t a woman… I swear.

“If anything’s happened to her… your death will be slow and deliberate.”

I pushed open the door—and stopped.

She was on the stretcher. IV drips, machines, her tiny frame surrounded by sterile coldness. Her face—my radiant bunny’s face—was pale, lips chapped, eyes closed. That glow I used to see every morning was gone.

I scanned her—arms, hands, ankles. No major bruises.

But then I saw it.

A small mark near her lips. Faint. Barely noticeable to anyone else. But I saw it. I felt it.

My chest felt hollow. I’ve killed men without blinking, but this—this shattered me.

Then… she stirred.

I took a step back. I didn’t deserve to face her—not after leaving like a coward, not after abandoning her without goodbye.

Her eyes fluttered open.

Our eyes met.

Her dull eyes brightened the second they landed on me—only to flood with tears instantly.

“Mr. Russo…” she whispered, voice shaking.

I rushed forward. She tried to get up, reaching out to me, but the IV snatched free from her hand, blood spilling. Her sobs broke me.

“Vani!”

I pulled her into my arms, holding her tightly as she cried into my chest.

“Doctor!” I roared.

“Shhh… shhh… I’m here, baby. I’m not going anywhere,” I whispered, cupping her head.

She shook her head violently, voice quivering.

“No… You said the same last time. You lied.”

Her words broke something primal inside me.

“I’m sorry, my cute rabbit … I didn’t mean to. I thought I was protecting you. I thought…”

The doctor arrived. I gently laid her back, still holding her hand as he cleaned the wound.

Never again.
No more distance. No more pain.
I’m never leaving her again.

The doctor began bandaging her hand. Vani’s other hand was tightly clutching mine, her small, milk-white fingers trembling in my much larger, tanned ones. The contrast between us was striking—delicate and fierce, soft and hardened.

As the doctor finished dressing her wound, he gave me a knowing look and said,
“She’s severely weak. Make sure she eats and rests properly.”
Then he quietly exited the room, leaving us alone.

I sat beside her, and she immediately tried to lean into me. But I gently held her back.

“No, not now, bunny. Your drip might come off again.”

“It won’t… I just want to be near you,” she whispered, her voice shaky but determined.

“Vani, bache… please listen to me.”

“Why should I? You left me without a word!”
Her voice cracked, and my heart clenched.

“I’m sorry, bacha… but I thought I was doing what’s best for you. You have dreams—you deserve to pursue them.”

Tears welled in her eyes.
“But I want you too… please don’t leave me. I feel alive with you. I’ll do all the housework, just don’t abandon me again…”

I pressed my finger to her trembling lips.
“You won’t lift a single finger in my bungalow.”

“Then what will I do?” she asked, confused.

I smirked slightly.
“Actually, I have a job for you.”

“What job?”

“It’s very difficult.”

“Will you be with me?”

“Always, rabbit”

She nodded, eyes hopeful.
“Then I’ll do anything.”

“You’ll have to live in a cage.”

“Cage?” she echoed, startled.

I looked away for a moment, then met her gaze.
“Yes, Vani. The truth is… I fell for you the second I saw you. Deeply. But you’re too pure, too untouched by the filth I carry. I can’t tell you everything—but trust me when I say, I’m not the man you deserve.”

“Will you love me?” she asked softly.

I leaned closer, brushing her hair behind her ear.
“To the ends of this life and beyond. I’ll be obsessed with your scent, addicted to your voice. Death itself will hesitate to approach me when you smile at me, because even hell will be afraid to take me away from you.”

Her breath hitched.
“Mr. Russo…” she whispered, her cheeks tinged red.

I smiled gently.
“You won’t leave me again, right?”

“Never. Not even death can pull me away now. Even after I’m gone, my soul will trace your footsteps. I’ll always be behind you.”

“Don’t say such things,” she said, flustered.

“You’re already as red as cherries,” I teased, brushing my thumb along her cheek.

She mumbled, “Mhmm…”

I took her hand in mine again, holding it tighter this time.
“So… tell me. Will you live with me now? I’ll give you everything you want… except freedom outside the cage without my permission. You’ll be with me everywhere, never alone.”

She hesitated, but she asked so innocently
“Will it be a real cage?”

“No… It’s my home. You’ll be free to roam inside the property, but not outside. And the terrace—you can’t go there without me.”

“Oh…”

I took a deep breath. The words were simple, raw, not dressed in perfection, but they were real.
“Vani… will you marry me?”

Her eyes widened.
“Mr. Russo…”

“Say it, Vani. Yes or no?”

She looked down, her fingers curling in mine.
“But I’m not as perfect as you think… I’m not—”

“Do you want to marry me?”

A pause.

“Yes.”

I smiled, a weight lifting off my chest.
“Then it’s settled. We’re getting married. Soon.”

“Huh?” she mumbled, dazed.

“Shhh… for now, rest, my bunny,” I whispered, brushing her hair back gently.

But my eyes went to the faint bruise near her lips again. It bothered me. I couldn’t ignore it anymore. Slowly, I reached out and touched the area lightly.

She hissed.

My jaw clenched.
“Vani… who hurt you?”

“No one,” she replied too quickly, her gaze flickering away from mine.

I straightened, my voice turning firm.
“Tell me the truth. Follow the rule. Say the name.”

She hesitated.
“Uhmm…”

“Speak up,” I demanded, voice laced with steel.

She stammered,
“Tha… t… lady sla—”

Before she could even finish, I roared,
“Vaishya!”

The woman rushed in, startled.
“Yes, sir?”

I glared at her with a fury that could strip the soul from a man.
“Did you slap her?”

She had the audacity to lie.
“No, sir. She’s lying.”

She dared… She dared accuse my rabbit of lying?

“No, Mr. Russo, I didn’t—”

I didn’t let her finish. I stepped closer to her, the air between us crackling with rage.
“Get out of here. And trust me, you’ll pay for this.”

She paled and fled the room in seconds.

I didn’t press Vani further. Not now. She needed rest, not more questions. And right now, my priority was only her.

That entire day and night, I didn’t leave her side. I fed her myself, spoke to her softly, and cancelled every single meeting without a second thought. I stayed in the hospital room, watching her sleep, making sure her pulse stayed steady, making sure her world was peaceful—even if mine was on fire.

The doctor assured me that her constant sleep was due to exhaustion and weakness, not anything critical. But still, I ordered a full body check-up and the chip test too. I knew Malvika would find out about our marriage eventually—and she would make sure Vani was tested anyway. That woman never held back. Neither do I. But with Vani? I’m a different man. A softer man. For her, I can be gentle… even if my hands are stained with blood.

After two long days, she was finally discharged.

I scooped her up in my arms as we left the hospital.

“Mr. Russo, I can walk,” she protested, frowning.

“See those kids? They’re walking too,” she pointed at a five-year-old child with tiny legs wobbling forward.

I smirked, tightening my hold.
“Exactly. You’re even worse than that kid when it comes to taking care of yourself. So, hush.”

People around us were staring. But I didn’t care. Let the world look. She was mine. And I was never letting her go again.

Once we reached the car, I helped her inside carefully and drove us back to the bungalow. Home.

Our home.

And soon, it would be our room—officially, forever.

As we arrived, I got out and moved to her side, lifting her in my arms again.

She gasped, “Mr. Russo!”

I smirked.
“No arguments, bunny.”

I carried her straight to our room and gently laid her down on the bed.

She was finally safe.

Soon, she would be mine—wholly, completely, undeniably mine.

・。.・゜✭・

_________________________________________________________

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