“Mandira, why do you only have books about abnormal psychology?” Vidyut asked her while setting her books in the bookcase.

Mandira came out of the closet while carrying her clothes and put them in the suitcase before replying, “I like to read about mental disorders. I just find them very interesting.”

“Is that because of your uncle?” He asked her hesitantly, not sure how she will react to his question.

Surely, Mandira was a bit surprised at the question, “Oh, you know about him?”

“I'm sure that the entire Awadh knows about his case. I couldn't sleep for two days after hearing what he did,” Just remembering those news headlines gave him chills.

“He was an illegitimate child. So my grandparents didn't treat him well. And because of the childhood trauma and abuse, he became a psychopath,” She told him while sitting down on the bed.

“Your parents were the only ones who could escape his attack, right?”

“Devika's father had saved them. Twice, actually. He escaped the asylum once.”

“Mandira, did he really assault your Bua?” Just the thought of it made him nauseated.

“Maa told me that Bua had also assaulted him in the past. Multiple times. And he took the revenge in the most brutal way.”

“Aren't you afraid?”

“I am afraid in the back of my mind. My family will be only at peace when he will die,” And she laid back on the bed.

Vidyut put the books down and moved to sit beside her. He bent down his face and kissed her forehead, making her close her eyes and sigh peacefully.

“Don't worry, just shoot him point blank.”

She was expecting him to say something like he will protect her and so on but he was basically telling her to be confident enough on her shooting skills. It wasn't anything wrong, but it wasn't romantic.

“You could also say that you will protect me,” She said in a disappointed tone.

“Why should I risk my life in your family feud?” He faked indifference.

Mandira understood that he was joking so she pinch his biceps, making him wince.

“Get ready fast. It's almost time to leave,” saying so she stood up from the bed and began packing again.

✿ ✿ ✿

“Yuvraj, are you sure you don't want to go in?” Vyom asked his friend while they were sitting in car in front of Manyata's house.

Yuvraj just leaned back on the driver's seat and shook his head, “No, my socializing battery is down.”

“As you wish,” Vyom shrugged and got off the passenger's seat.

Yuvraj saw him heading towards the entrance. Vyom was about to enter the house when a girl came out of the house carrying a watering can.

She was a sight to behold, undoubtedly. And the dark circles beneath her eyes only made her look more beautiful. A smile graced her face as she side-hugged Vyom and after talking for some time, Vyom walked inside and she began watering the plants.

Yuvraj's eyes couldn't leave her sight. And in that moment, he realized what love at first sight felt like. He kept staring at her and only averted his gaze when Vyom returned, who had a sweater in his hand.

When Vyom slipped into the passenger's seat, Yuvraj asked, “Why did you return with a sweater?”

“Oh, Dadi made it for me,” Vyom smiled.

“I didn't know Manyata had another sister,” Yuvraj said that with an intention to find out the identity of the girl who had mysteriously mesmerized him just at the first glance.

Vyom shook his head, “No, Devika is Manya's cousin.”

Yuvraj feigned ignorance and started the ignition before driving away.

✿ ✿ ✿

“Vidyut, I will drive!” Mandira ran towards the driver's seat.

“Do you have a driving license?” Vidyut asked her while blocking her way.

“Nope, but my driving is good,” She insisted.

“Mandira, go to the passenger's seat. You'll get in trouble if you drove to Lakhnaur without a driving license.”

“Vidyut, please!” Mandira pouted.

“No,” but her husband didn't budge.

“You know, we can do something at night if you let me drive,” She whispered to him in a sensual tone.

Vidyut instantly softened, “Ah... okay, you can drive till the outskirts of Mehergarh. I'll be driving from there on. But don't you dare back out at night.”

“Thank you, Patidev!” Mandira grinned and pulled his cheeks before sliding to the driver's seat.

Vidyut shook his head at her enthusiasm and went to the passenger's seat. Kajal and Vaidehi were evidently surprised to see Mandira behind the steering wheel when they neared the car. But they hid their surprise quickly.

Vidyut waved to Badi Amma who came to see them off.

“Badi Amma, are you sure you don't want to come?” Vidyut asked his mother again.

Badi Amma just shook her head and waved them a bye.

Mandira ignited the engine and drove towards the outskirts of Mehergarh. As soon as the car neared the highway, Vidyut switched seats with her and began driving to Lakhnaur.

Lakhnaur was about two hours away from Mehergarh. Kajal had her earpods on and was listening to music with her eyes closed. While Vaidehi fell asleep on Kajal's shoulder. Mandira too kept looking at Vidyut sleepily. She wanted to put her head on his shoulder but was afraid that it might trouble him with driving.

Vidyut looked at her and smiled. He didn't say anything, just pulled her closer and made her rest her head on his shoulder.

“I'll wake you up, hmm,” He kissed her hair and focused back on driving. Mandira closed her eyes and slept with a smile on her face.

✿ ✿ ✿

That evening he returned from the office earlier than usual.

“Miss Gargi, my family members are coming today. So make the dinner for five people. A simple eggplant curry will be fine for Vidyut and Kajal. For Vaidehi and my sister-in-law, I think Malai Kofte will be good. Also, make Chicken Curry, in case Vidyut wants to eat non veg. And put a bottle of whiskey in the refrigerator of his bedroom. Thank you,” Vikram instructed the cook and headed upstairs.

He took a quick shower and changed into a t-shirt and sweatpants. Other than a bathroom and a closet, his bedroom also had a study room. He put a pillow and comforter on the couch kept in the study room. He wasn't going to sleep on the same bed as Kajal, he never did.

Vikram heard honking of a car outside and quickly went downstairs. The servants were taking the luggage upstairs. Vidyut, Kajal, Vaidehi, and the new addition to the family, Mandira, all of them slumped on the couches tiredly.

“Hello, everyone. All of you look quite tired,” He made his presence known and walked towards them. Vidyut stood up to hug his elder brother, so did Vaidehi. Kajal just ignored him. Their cold treatment towards each other wasn't a secret. Even Vaidehi was waiting when they will divorce and find suitable partners for themselves.

Mandira awkwardly greeted her brother-in-law. Vikram gave her a formal smile, not really interested in befriending her. She looked like an energetic person and staying with energetic people exhausted him. Though she looked a little familiar, as if he had seen her somewhere. He just couldn't remember where.

The cook, Gargi, came there with cold drinks.

“Miss Gargi, make mango smoothie for Vidyut,” He instructed the cook, who nodded and left to make smoothie after serving cold drinks to the others.

“Bhai, I'm going to my bedroom,” saying so Vaidehi hugged Vikram again and headed upstairs. Kajal also headed upstairs without a word.

Now it was only Vidyut and Mandira sitting together in the living room. It looked like Vidyut was trying to flirt with his wife. And Vikram wasn't fond of becoming a third wheel so he too headed upstairs.

✿ ✿ ✿

Mandira heaved a sigh of relief as soon as Vikram walked away.

“Vidyut, can't you keep your hands to yourself? Your brother was literally standing on our heads,” Mandira scolded Vidyut. He had his arm wrapped around her waist all the while and was rubbing her belly, only Mandira knew how she controlled her moans.

“Aye, let's head to the bedroom. I can't wait till night,” Vidyut requested her with a puppy face.

Mandira rolled her eyes at his desperation, “You are so desperate to have sex.”

“Nah, I'm desperate to make love with my wife,”  He smiled.

“Cheesy much,” and she rolled her eyes again.

The cook returned with a glass of mango smoothie for Vidyut. Vidyut mumbled a polite thank you and took the drink. He quickly finished the smoothie and then they headed to the bedroom upstairs.

Vidyut was in full mood to ravish his wife while Mandira was willing but still nervous. Moreover, her mind was constantly telling her that she had seen Vikram somewhere. But she couldn't remember where.

•••

First of all, how's the new cover?

•••

Finally Yuvraj and Vikram are here! I'm more excited for Yuvraj though. What's your first impression of them?

•••

And should I upload the face claims? Almost all important characters have entered the story.

•••

And I'm expecting 30 votes on this chapter. It's very much achievable.

So don't forget to vote 🗡