AUTHOR’S POV 

The Next Morning

Vani slowly woke up and found Vidyut already awake. He was dressed in a black t-shirt and matching pants, working intently on his laptop. But the moment his eyes landed on her, he set the laptop aside and came to sit beside her. With gentle fingers, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and murmured,

“Good morning, wifey.”

Her cheeks instantly turned crimson at his words, and she whispered back almost shyly,
“Good morning…”

Vidyut cupped her face tenderly. He never wanted to force her into nicknames or anything until she was comfortable—it was enough just watching her slowly open up. With a smile, he said,
“Alright, now get ready. Let’s have breakfast. Malvika, Karthik, and the children are also leaving today.”

Vani nodded, though her heart sank a little at the thought of the kids going.

After a bath, she stood before her closet debating whether to wear something casual or traditional. Finally, she chose a baby-pink kurti—elegant yet light. She clasped her small mangalsutra, a gold chain strung with black beads, its centerpiece a delicate golden circle holding a diamond. Paired with her wedding ring, it shone beautifully. After a touch of skincare, nude lipstick, and a hint of perfume, she stepped out.

Vidyut’s attention was immediately drawn to her, abandoning his laptop once again. To him, she looked like a delicate doll. He walked to her, his gaze soft, and said,

“You know, my wife always looks ethereal… but right now, she looks breathtaking.”

Blushing, she teased shyly,
“Mr. Russ… Husband, shall we go down? Or else Rakshit and Kashish will leave without seeing me.”

Vidyut chuckled at her innocence and led her downstairs.

As they entered, Rakshit and Kashish came running toward Vani, hugging her tightly. Malvika smiled knowingly and teased her brother,

“You should thank me. These two wanted to stay with you both last night too! It took me a lot of convincing to get them to sleep—or else your first night would’ve been ruined.”

Vidyut just smiled faintly, his eyes flicking to his shy little “rabbit.” He loved her innocence and never wished to rush anything. Malvika caught that unspoken thought and let the matter rest.

Karthik broke the moment with a laugh,
“Come on, let’s have breakfast. I’m starving!”

They all shared breakfast together, but soon it was time for Malvika, Karthik, and the children to leave. The parting was hardest for Vani, Rakshit, and Kashish—none of them wanted to let go. Malvika consoled the kids, while Vidyut gently comforted his wife, promising they’d meet again soon.

Once they left, Vani’s face still carried traces of sadness. To lighten her mood, Vidyut suddenly said,

“Rabbit, weren’t you going to give me my wedding gift? Where is it? Give it to me now.”

Her eyes lit up instantly as a smile spread across her face.
“Yes! It’s in your study. Come with me.”

Hand in hand, she led him there. In the center, something stood covered with newspaper. She pointed excitedly,
“Unwrap it.”

Curious, Vidyut slowly pulled away the papers. His eyes widened in shock—it was a sketch of him, sitting in that very study. The lines, the shading, the detail… it was so perfect it looked like a photograph.

Vani bit her lip nervously and asked,
“Do you… like it?”

Vidyut looked at her with awe.
“Like it? I love it. From now on, this will stay right here. And listen—one day, we’ll dedicate a whole room just for your sketches.”

He called a butler and immediately replaced a landscape painting in the study with her sketch, so it would always be in front of him. Vani’s heart swelled with happiness.

“But where did you learn all this?” he asked.

Proudly, she replied,
“In school. I learned sketching, painting, oil colors, shading… everything. I always loved it.”

Vidyut’s smile deepened.
“Very good, my rabbit. Then I want another painting—our wedding picture. I’ll ask the photographer to send the photos soon. You’ll paint them, and we’ll fill one whole wall with our portraits, and another wall with your other artworks.”

Overwhelmed, Vani hugged him tightly.
“Thank you, thank you so much. I always wanted to sketch freely again.”

Vidyut held her close, content. She was opening up, finding happiness in small things—and to him, that was the most precious gift of all.

Vani slowly tried to pull herself back, but Vidyut instantly pulled her closer by the waist. Cupping her face, he said softly,

“I also have something to tell you.”

She blinked at him in confusion. Vidyut’s lips curved into a small smile as he continued,

“We’re going to Italy tomorrow. I have some meetings there, and meanwhile, you can enjoy the city. I’ll take you around to explore as well.”

Vani’s eyes widened in shock.
“Really? We’re going to Italy? You’re taking me to Italy?”

Vidyut nodded calmly.
“Yes. Now go start packing. The weather’s warm, so keep light clothes, okay?”

She nodded eagerly, still overwhelmed. As she turned to go, she asked innocently,
“Should I pack for you as well, or will you do it yourself?”

Vidyut thought for a moment before replying,
“First pack for yourself. Then I’ll join you, and we’ll do mine together.”

Smiling, Vani hurried off to her room. For the next fifteen minutes she neatly packed her essentials—her toiletries, skincare, undergarments, and other basics. When it came to clothes, though, she carefully made sets of each pair, then ran to Vidyut’s study every time to ask for his approval. Each time she’d hold up an outfit with shy eyes, waiting for his opinion.

Finally, with the last pair approved, she smiled in relief.
“Now I’m done with my packing. It’s your turn.”

Vidyut nodded and walked with her to the room. Together, they packed his luggage as well, their rhythm growing more natural—like they had been doing this for years.

Once they were almost finished, Vani said,
“I’ll go and bring some water.”

Vidyut nodded, busy folding the last few items. Vani walked downstairs, still humming with excitement about Italy. But just as she was about to enter the kitchen, she froze.

The maids were whispering again.

Vani froze at the kitchen door, her heart hammering as the hushed voices of the maids reached her ears.

1st Maid smirked,
“I don’t think they did anything last night.”

2nd Maid scoffed,
“That girl doesn’t have anything to attract a man.”

Before Vani could process, the 3rd Maid—the one who had shamelessly ogled Vidyut some days before when his shirt hung open revealing just a bit of his chest —snapped,
“But I have everything… and still he doesn’t even look at me.”

The first maid chuckled cruelly,
“Stop dreaming. You don’t have any chance now.”

The 3rd maid’s face twisted in displeasure, but the 2nd maid added slyly,
“You know, he’s taking her to Italy for honeymoon.”

The 3rd maid’s eyes widened, and she almost shouted,
“What the hell—when?!”

The other two quickly hushed her,
“Shhh! Tomorrow. They’re leaving tomorrow.”

The 3rd maid groaned in anger, but the 2nd tried to console her wickedly,
“Why are you stressing? Maybe he’s taking her there to sell her—or use her—and then you’ll have your chance as his mistress.”

A delighted smile spread across the 3rd maid’s face.

The 2nd maid then added with a venomous laugh,
“Or maybe he’s just taking her to finally use her in his bed.”

Those words pierced straight into Vani’s heart. Her eyes brimmed with tears, her chest tightening painfully. Unable to hear anymore, she turned and ran upstairs. Before entering, she quickly wiped her tears, trying to hide the trembling in her voice.

Inside, Vidyut’s back was to her, still busy adjusting his luggage. She walked to him and suddenly hugged him tightly from behind. He immediately stilled at the trembling of her body.

“Where did you go? I thought you were just getting water—” he began, but her choked words cut him off.

“I… I don’t want to go to Italy.”

Vidyut frowned, confused by her tone. Then he felt it—the dampness seeping onto his shirt. He quickly turned, shocked to see her teary eyes.

“Vani? What happened? Look at me, bacha.”

She shook her head, struggling to breathe steadily.
“I… I don’t even have a passport. How can I come with you?”

Vidyut’s brows knitted. He knew instantly this wasn’t just about a passport. That couldn’t make her cry like this.

“Who told you that? You do have a passport.”

He cupped her face gently, made her sit on the bed, and retrieved a small file from his bag. Opening it, he showed her the fresh passport.

“I already had it made for you. See? Now will you come with me?”

But instead of relief, Vani lowered her gaze and murmured,
“No…”

Alarmed, Vidyut pulled her into his lap.
“What’s wrong, Vani? Why are you behaving like this? Just a while ago you were so happy about Italy.”

She only buried her face deeper into his neck, refusing to speak. Vidyut’s concern sharpened into determination. He cupped her cheeks, forcing her to meet his eyes.

“Bacha, speak to me. If something is bothering you, tell me the truth. Didn’t I ask you never to hide anything from me? No lies, only truth.”

Tears spilled as she finally whispered,
“When I went down to bring water…”

And then, haltingly, she narrated everything—the whispers, the cruel words, even the incident from the night before. With each sentence, Vidyut’s jaw clenched tighter, his fury simmering higher.

And then came her final words, trembling, breaking his heart.
“I don’t want to lose you… I don’t want to be sold… or… or used in your bed.”

For a second, silence crackled like fire in the room. Then Vidyut’s rage erupted. He stood, lifting her carefully from his lap, his eyes blazing with fury.

Grabbing her hand firmly, he strode downstairs with her, his voice like thunder as he bellowed,
“All three of you—come here. NOW.”

The maids flinched, their faces paling as they gathered in the kitchen. His gaze burned into them before he glanced at Vani.

“THESE ARE THE ONES WHO DARED TO TALK THAT FILTH ABOUT YOU?”

They instantly understood what their boss was saying. Vidyut’s voice roared, “How dare you speak against my wife?”

Vani stood silently, her head bowed as tears streamed down her face. Vidyut didn’t want her to witness the fury in his eyes. Their relationship wasn’t fragile enough to break under anyone else’s judgment.

“Get out—all three of you,” he commanded coldly. “I don’t want to see you in my bungalow again. You are dismissed.”

By now, other workers had gathered at the doorway. Vidyut’s sharp gaze swept over them as he declared, “NO ONE WILL EVER DARE TO SPEAK AGAINST MY WIFE. OR…” His unfinished threat hung in the air like fire.

Turning away, he took Vani’s trembling hand and led her back to their bedroom. Once inside, he gently cupped her face, forcing her to meet his eyes.

“Vani… bache, look at me.”

With effort, she lifted her gaze.

“Do you trust your husband?” he asked softly.

She nodded, and in the next second he pulled her into a tight embrace. His lips brushed her hair as he whispered, “Forget their words. Forget them. From now on, if anyone dares say something to you, you’ll tell me immediately. You don’t have to deal with this alone. I’m here for you. Always.”

He leaned back slightly, his voice firm but tender. “You know I would never force myself on you. All I want is you—your smile, your happiness, your presence. That’s all I need. Just stay with me… will you?”

Vani’s eyes welled up again, but this time with warmth. “Yes,” she whispered.

Vidyut wiped her tears and smiled faintly. “Good. Now smile… because tomorrow, we’re leaving for my country , the country whose owner is your husband , who runs that country ”

Her brows furrowed. “Your country? Don’t be silly. I’m not an idiot . I’m educated. I know a government runs the country, not you.”

He chuckled, amused by her innocence. “You’re so naïve.”

“I’m not naïve!” she huffed, pouting. “It’s common knowledge. Maybe you’re the one lacking it.”

Vidyut laughed harder, knowing the bitter truth—that governments danced to the tune of his power and money, and if he wished, he could crush them within minutes. But he didn’t say it. Instead, he smiled knowingly.

“Yeah, yeah… you’re right. Now come, let’s sleep. We’ve got an early flight.”

Vani nodded. He tucked her gently into bed, making sure she was comfortable, before retreating to the couch for the night.

THE NEXT DAY , EARLY MORNING

The alarm buzzed at 4 A.M., waking Vidyut. He turned it off swiftly, his eyes immediately shifting to the bed where Vani lay curled up, sleeping peacefully. For a moment, he considered waking her, but his heart resisted. She looked too serene, too innocent, and he couldn’t bring himself to disturb her dreams.

Instead, he freshened up quietly. When he returned, Vani was still asleep, her breaths soft and steady. With a small smile tugging at his lips, he bent down and carefully scooped her into his arms as though she were the most fragile thing in the world. She stirred a little, murmuring faintly, but when Vidyut rocked her gently, she drifted back into slumber against his chest.

Cradling her like a precious child, he carried her out of the bungalow. Their luggage was already loaded into the car. Sliding into the backseat, he kept Vani on his lap, her small frame nestled securely against him. She looked ethereal in her cartoon-print pajamas, her lashes brushing her cheeks as she slept soundly. Vidyut couldn’t stop gazing at her—his little wife, his peace, his everything.

The car rolled through the silent streets until they reached the airport. As the vehicle pulled into their private runway, Vidyut adjusted her slightly, one hand protectively cupping the back of her head so she could snuggle into his neck, while his other arm supported her.

The pilot approached, ready to greet him, but upon noticing Vani in his arms, simply offered a respectful nod instead of a handshake. Vidyut acknowledged him with a curt nod and strode toward the jet, his wife still safe in his embrace.

Inside the aircraft, he carefully lowered her toward a seat. But even in her half-sleep, she clung to him, refusing to let go. Vidyut chuckled under his breath, leaning close to whisper, “Just for five minutes, my little baby. Sit here for me, hmm?”

Even in her slumber, she obeyed his voice, settling into the chair as though her heart recognized only his commands. Vidyut fastened the seatbelt for her and sat down beside her, their hands entwined. As the engines roared to life and the plane began its ascent toward Italy, Vani’s head lolled onto his shoulder, her body leaning instinctively into his warmth.

Once they were in the air, Vidyut quietly unbuckled her belt. With practiced ease, he gathered her back into his arms and carried her into the private room of the jet. He gently laid her on the bed, tucking her in with utmost care.

For a long moment, he stood there, watching her. The world outside was his to command, governments could bow or break at his will, yet here, in the quiet hum of the aircraft, his entire universe lay sleeping peacefully under soft blankets.

Vani stirred slightly, her lips curving into the faintest smile as though sensing his presence. Vidyut’s gaze softened. He bent, brushed a tender kiss on her forehead, and whispered, “Sleep, my little one. I’ll keep the world away from you.”

And she did—sleeping soundly, while Vidyut sat close by, guarding her like a shadow that would never leave.

VANI’S POV

I slowly stirred, my eyelids heavy as I blinked at the ceiling above me. The wooden panels… brown, polished… they weren’t the ones from our bungalow. My breath hitched. This wasn’t home.

I sat up instantly, scanning the small room around me. My heart raced. Where was I? Where was he? The bed was unfamiliar, the air smelled different, and there was a small round window. I stumbled toward it, my hands trembling as I pulled the curtain aside—

Clouds. Only endless clouds drifting by.

My throat tightened. This isn’t possible…

Panic rose in me like fire. “Mr. Russo!” I called out, my voice shaky. I saw the door and tried to open it but because of panic maybe it wasn't opening so I started banging on it. No reply. My chest tightened. Louder this time, “Mr. Russo! Husband!” Tears prickled in my eyes. Still, silence.

Desperation spilled over and I screamed, “VIDYUT!”

The door opened instantly. And there he was.

Relief crashed into me and before I could think, I threw myself into his arms, hugging him tightly as if I would stop breathing if I let go.

He cupped the back of my head, his voice calm yet concerned. “What happened, bacha? Why are you crying? Did you have a nightmare?”

I shook my head violently, tears soaking his shirt. He tilted my chin up gently, wiping my tears with his thumb. “Then what happened? Tell me.”

I sniffled, my voice small. “Where… where are we?”

Vidyut’s lips curved into a soft chuckle. He carried me back to the bed and sat down, pulling me onto his lap as though that was my rightful place. “We’re in the aircraft, flying through the clouds. On our way to Italy.”

My eyes widened. “Aircraft? But… but I remember falling asleep in your bungalow last night.”

His smile deepened, teasing yet tender. “Our bungalow, bacha. And yes, you were there. But when I woke up this morning for the flight, you were sleeping so adorably that I couldn’t bring myself to wake you. So I carried you… all the way.”

I stared at him, shocked. Just because I was sleeping, he didn’t wake me… instead, he carried me? My chest swelled with emotions I couldn’t even name. After everything I had endured, every betrayal and every wound… having him in my life now felt unreal. Maybe I was the luckiest woman alive.

A whisper slipped from my lips, “Thank you, Mr. Russo.”

He groaned softly, shaking his head. “No. Not that. From now on, I don’t want to hear this surname from you. Call me Vidyut… or husband… or whatever nickname you choose. But no more formality, bacha. Not from you.”

I nodded quickly, biting back a smile. I’ll find the perfect name for him… one only I can call him.

Then he asked, his voice gentle but firm, “But tell me, why did you start crying, baby?”

I froze. My heart hammered painfully. I didn’t want to tell him… but the truth was, I was insecure. Too insecure. Because of my family. Because they’d always made me feel unwanted—like nobody would ever want to stay with me. And if someone did, it was only for my body, never for my soul.

The flashbacks hit me hard—our wedding night, that cursed glass of milk the maid handed me, the darkness that followed. My breathing turned shallow as memories clawed at me.

“Vani,” Vidyut’s voice broke through. “Where are you lost?”

I blinked, tears spilling again. Without thinking, I hugged him tightly, burying my face in his chest. My voice trembled, “Nothing… I just thought you left. Please… never go away from me.”

His hands caressed my cheeks, forcing me to meet his eyes. The fire in them wasn’t anger—it was devotion.

“Vani,” he whispered firmly, “you are my home. And tell me… where else would I ever go, except home?”

・。.・゜✭・

_________________________________________________________

Hello Everyone !!!!

Hope you all liked the chapter

Don't forget to comment down your opinion and which moment you liked the most .

Hope you all are happy and enjoying life

Thanks for your love

Your author

CHRONIC

BYE BYE BUTTERFLIES 🦋🦋❤❤