Sold to the Thakur's

"Devyani saw RIVAN naked"

_______________________

_______________________

She had been asking me those stupid little questions again—questions that didn't even need answers. I gave her nothing but grunts, sharp nods, and silence. My work had me hooked, drowning in files, screens, and numbers.

Then I noticed the quiet.

Too much quiet.

I turned my head—

and there she was.

kitten

Her small frame curled on the cold floor, head resting awkwardly on the edge of the couch. Her lashes had stilled, her lips slightly parted... she'd dozed off mid-question like some child.

For a second, my fist unclenched.

What the hell is this girl made of?

I exhaled sharply, pushed back my chair, and stood.

Bending down, I slipped one arm beneath her knees, the other under her back, and lifted her easily. She was too damn light, feather-light, as if the world had never let her eat properly.

Shaking my head, I laid her properly on the couch. Adjusted her head on the cushion.

My eyes lingered—just a second too long—before I yanked my gaze away.

Snatching the nearest blanket, I threw it over her carelessly, muttering under my breath,

"Unbelievable."

And then I walked back to my desk, sat down, and buried myself in work again.

Because that's what Rivan Thakur does—he works, not watches over sleeping girls.

____________________

Rivan walked back into his room, his steps heavy but precise. He knew Kaizan would be waiting—he always waited.

And yes... there he was.

Kaizan, the black panther. His beast. His son.

Those burning amber eyes locked straight at his father, unblinking, unwavering. He hadn't moved an inch from where Rivan had left him. Because Kaizan never slept—not until his master, his father, returned.

Rivan dragged a chair and sat right in front of him.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and said softly, almost like a confession,

"Hii Kaizan... I'm sorry, baby, for letting you stay locked. But you deserved it."

At those words, Kaizan's eyes narrowed, his tail flicked, and his sharp canines showed in silent rage. His mind growled, words his father couldn't hear—

I deserved it, dad? Are you fucking serious?

Do you even know why I got locked? Your so-called sisters bribed me with that cursed teddy bear, 'Sweety,' and tricked me inside. How the hell is that my fault?

And you... you dare tell me I deserved it?

When you expect me to protect you, but the real danger, dad, is your own family?

I swear, I am done with you.

Kaizan's chest rumbled with a low growl, but he didn't move. Because even in fury, he was loyal.

Rivan leaned back, sighing sharply, running his tongue across his teeth.

"Ok listen, Kaizan... just before, you saw that girl, right? We have to tolerate her. For a year. That's it."

The beast tilted his head, his amber eyes glinting with curiosity. A year? Tolerate her?

Kaizan growled low again—because deep inside, he wasn't sure his father would be able to only tolerate her.

Rivan leaned closer to Kaizan, his voice low but serious.

"Listen, Kaizan. I'm married now... to that girl. From now on, she is your mumma. But—" his jaw clenched—"only for one year, ok? After that, we're leaving this damn haveli and going back to our real world."

Kaizan's ears twitched, eyes widening in disbelief. Mumma?

The word rolled strangely in his beastly mind.

Rivan stretched out his hand, brushing Kaizan's sleek black head.

"So till then... behave nicely with her. Don't scare her. She's just a child... just like you."

His lips curled into something rare—a soft smile only Kaizan ever got to see.

"You're my boy, my partner. You'll protect her too, won't you?"

Kaizan blinked, his massive body shifting uneasily. Protect her? His golden eyes glared, confusion flooding through his mind.

Dad doesn't even like women around him... he hates them all.

Then why did he suddenly bring a mumma? Without even telling me?

Is she really... mine too?

The beast let out a confused low growl, half questioning, half annoyed.

Rivan smirked knowingly. "Don't give me that look, Kaizan. I know you don't like it. But she's here now. She's mine... and yours. So deal with it."

Kaizan tilted his massive head, still trying to understand. Mumma? For real? Or just another one of dad's strange jokes?

Kaizan's tail lashed against the floor, a deep rumble vibrating in his chest. His golden eyes stayed fixed on Rivan, sharp and questioning.

Mumma? Just like that? You hate women... always push them away. Then why this one? And why should I share you, dad? You're mine.

He shifted closer, pressing his heavy head against Rivan's knee, almost possessively. His claws tapped the floor in a slow rhythm—an unspoken warning.

Rivan chuckled darkly, reading his beast like an open book.

"Jealous? Huh? Don't worry, idiot. No one can take your place. You're my shadow, my Kaizan."

He leaned forward, gripping Kaizan's jaw firmly.

"But she... she's different. Not forever, just one year. After that, it's back to just you and me, like always."

Kaizan huffed, his hot breath brushing against Rivan's hand, but his eyes still narrowed.

Different? You never say that about anyone... not even family. So why her?

His gaze flickered toward the door, where the faint sound of anklets echoed. Is that her? The new mumma?

The thought made his chest tighten with something sharp—anger, confusion, maybe even fear.

He growled low. What if she takes him away from me? What if dad forgets me?

Rivan smirked again, almost amused. "Don't overthink, beast. No one can take me from you. And you—" he poked Kaizan's head—"better not scare her, or I'll lock you again. Got it?"

Kaizan grumbled, tail twitching furiously. Lock me all you want... but I'll be watching her. If she dares hurt you, dad... I'll kill her.

Kaizan pulled away with a sharp jerk, his golden eyes burning with rage.m. He let out a low, guttural growl, almost like a warning.

No one. No one can share you with me. I'm enough. I'm your child. You don't need another child.

His tail whipped the air furiously before he padded to the door, his paws striking the floor harder than usual. He didn't even glance back. The panther slipped out, leaving Rivan sitting in his chair, jaw tightening.

Rivan ran a hand through his hair, muttering, "This beast... throwing tantrums like a damn kid. Thank God he can't talk, otherwise he'd argue all night."

He exhaled sharply and pushed himself up, striding toward his study, letting the files swallow his mind.

Meanwhile... Kaizan prowled down the dim corridors, his eyes glinting like molten fire under the moonlight spilling from the haveli windows. His movements were silent but heavy with anger, each step carrying the weight of betrayal he felt.

He didn't go to his den. He didn't even want to look at Rivan again. Instead, he turned toward another wing of the haveli—Reyansh's floor.

Reyansh's door creaked faintly as Kaizan nudged it open with his massive head. Inside, Reyansh was sprawled lazily on a sofa with a drink in hand, scrolling through some memories. The moment he sensed the shift in air, his eyes darted up.

A smirk tugged at his lips.

"Well, well... look who decided to visit me at midnight."

He set his glass down, eyeing the panther curiously. "Don't tell me you fought with your dad again?"

Kaizan growled deep, pacing the room restlessly. His claws scraped the polished floor, his tail lashed like a whip.

Reyansh leaned back, amusement sparking in his eyes. "Ohhh... so this is about the new bride, isn't it? You don't like sharing daddy, huh?"

Kaizan's eyes glowed dangerously, and for a second Reyansh felt the raw, untamed wrath behind that gaze—the kind that could rip a man into pieces in seconds.

But Reyansh, being Reyansh, only chuckled, swirling his drink. "Don't glare at me, Kaiz. I didn't bring her. Your grandfather did. Maybe you should go eat her alive instead of glaring at me."

The panther gave a sharp snarl, almost as if to say Don't tempt me.

Reyansh's smirk didn't last long. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his voice dropping into a cold warning.

"Don't even think of harming her, Kaiz. Before Rivan gets the chance, I'll kill you myself."

The panther froze mid-pace, his molten eyes narrowing on Reyansh. A low, throaty growl rumbled from his chest, echoing in the room like a storm waiting to break.

Reyansh didn't flinch. Instead, he chuckled darkly, pointing his finger at the beast.

"Lil boy... yeah, you might be your dad's favourite. But she—" he dragged out the word with mock emphasis, "—she's my favourite now. So watch your steps."

Kaizan's jaws parted in a sharp snarl, but Reyansh only leaned back with a lazy sigh, rubbing his lower back dramatically.

"And just because of you, I'm walking around with a backache, you stupid oversized cat. Do you even realise how heavy you are when you decide to pounce?"

Kaizan blinked, tilting his head in confusion. His tail flicked with agitation, but there was a strange glimmer of guilt hidden beneath that fiery glare.

Reyansh's smirk returned, wicked but edged with seriousness.

"If your dad told you to kill me—you'd do it without blinking, wouldn't you? That's how you're wired." He shook his head, almost disappointed. "Kaiz... this is how I trained you. I made you the ruthless shadow you are. But what you call loyalty looks like bad manners to me right now."

The panther gave a sharp snort, huffing through his nose like an offended child before stalking toward the window, his back to Reyansh, refusing to admit defeat but clearly stung by his words.

Reyansh sighed, rubbing his forehead as if he were exhausted arguing with a beast who acted more like a spoiled heir than a predator.

"Okay... let's keep the anger aside for a second," he said, voice softer this time. His sharp eyes softened, the teasing edge gone. "Listen, Kaiz—she's not like the rest. She's innocent... just like a child."

Kaizan's ears flicked back, his golden eyes narrowing with suspicion, as if he didn't want to hear a word of it.

Reyansh leaned closer, his tone firm yet pleading.

"Haa, Kaizan. Please protect her at any cost. Don't harm her. Her heart is too little for the weight of cruelty—you don't know how much she has already suffered. So..." he exhaled slowly, "be a little kind to her. Just this once, listen to me."

The panther stilled, his tail no longer thrashing. His molten gaze flickered—confusion, resistance, something unspoken.

Reyansh's lips curved faintly, as if sealing the deal.

"And from now onwards—she is your mumma. Behave like a child with her, Kaizan. Let her see the side of you your dad hides from the world."

For a long while, Kaizan only stood there, staring at Reyansh with burning eyes.

His mind was a storm—he hated sharing his dad, hated women, hated change.

But... the way Reyansh spoke, something in it forced him to think.

For the first time, he lowered his head, not in defeat, but in silent contemplation.

After hearing Reyansh's words, Kaizan flicked his tail sharply and padded away without a sound. He didn't want to admit it—but something had slipped into him, quietly crawling under his thick skin.

He entered his den.Curling up Kaizan rested his massive head on his paws. His golden eyes stayed wide open, burning in the darkness, but his mind wasn't on sleep.

Instead, it was circling around one word.

Mumma.

That word... it lingered strangely, like a soft pawprint left inside his chest. Just like Dadda. The only two words that made him lower his guard, the only two words he secretly liked, no matter how much he pretended otherwise.

A low rumble escaped his throat—not a growl, not a snarl, but something softer. Almost like a purr, though he would never admit it.

He closed his eyes at last, thinking about the girl Reyansh had called his mumma. He didn't like her. He didn't trust her. But the word itself had made a small place for her in his wild heart.

Just like that... Kaizan slept, guarding the word mumma as if it was already his.

.

.

.

Next morning

Devyani stirred awake, her lashes fluttering. The faint morning light seeped through the curtains of Rivan's study room, wrapping everything in a soft golden glow.

She blinked, confused. The last thing she remembered was dozing off on the floor near the couch... yet now she was resting on it, tucked under a blanket. Someone must have moved her here. Her heart fluttered nervously at the thought.

Rubbing her eyes, she sat up slowly. The room was eerily quiet, almost too quiet for such a huge haveli.

And then—

Creaaak...

The heavy wooden door opened with a slow groan.

Her head snapped up.

A pair of glowing amber eyes met hers.

Kaizan stepped inside, each movement sleek, silent, predatory. His black fur glistened in the morning light, his sharp gaze locked only on her.

Devyani froze. Her chest tightened, her breath hitched—until the inevitable escaped her lips.

"Aaaaaahhhhhh!"

Her scream echoed through the room, sharp and piercing, as she scrambled back on the couch, clutching the blanket to her chest.

Kaizan didn't flinch. He simply tilted his massive head, narrowing his eyes at the trembling figure in front of him. His ears twitched, his tail lashed once against the floor.

To him... she looked even smaller than yesterday. A fragile little thing, shaking like a leaf.

But to Devyani, he was death itself standing at the door.

Kaizan's ears perked up when he heard her scream. Instead of feeling powerful or satisfied, something inside his chest tightened uncomfortably. He didn't want to scare her. Reyansh's words echoed in his mind—

"From now onwards, she is your mumma..."

Mumma.

The word had settled somewhere soft inside him, unfamiliar but warm.

With an almost hesitant step, the mighty predator lowered his head and padded closer to her. His massive paws moved silently, as though he didn't want to frighten her further. His tail flicked in a nervous rhythm behind him.

I'll just say hii...

In his little world, Kaizan thought maybe if he came closer and showed he meant no harm, she would accept him.

But the moment his sleek head inched toward her—

"Aaaaaaahhhhhhh!" Devyani screamed even louder, her trembling hands gripping the blanket tighter as though it were armor.

Kaizan flinched. For the first time, the creature that made grown men shiver... actually looked startled.

She's... scared of me?

He tilted his head in confusion, but his steps only made things worse. The closer he came, the louder she shrieked, until her screams bounced off every corner of the study room.

Unable to take it anymore, Devyani darted up from the couch, her feet fumbling across the carpet as she ran blindly. Kaizan let out a low huff, almost like a confused sigh, and took a step after her.

"Mumma—wait!"

But of course, his voice wasn't human. It came out as a deep, guttural growl.

To Devyani, it was the final blow. Terrified beyond her wits, she ran.Her only thought—hide, somewhere, anywhere.

And then—

She heard it.

The faint, steady rush of water.

Hope.

Someone was inside. Someone alive. Someone who could save her from the monster.

Her legs moved before her mind could think, carrying her toward the sound. Her hand grabbed the door handle, twisting desperately—thankfully, it wasn't locked. She pushed it open and stumbled in, her breaths ragged, chest heaving.

Steam filled the air, curling like ghostly fog. The room smelled faintly of expensive soap and the heat clung to her skin immediately.

But Devyani didn't notice. Her back hit the door as she closed it shut, leaning against it like her life depended on it. Her lips parted in relief, whispering a shaky, "Thank God..."

Unaware.

Unaware that just beyond the glass partition, water still streamed down the tall, broad frame of Rivan Thakur—eyes closed, head bowed under the spray, his world entirely cut off from the chaos outside.

Unaware that in her panic, she had just locked herself inside the very bathroom where he was showering.

The water rolled down his skin, muscles relaxing as he finally exhaled a breath he didn't know he was holding. He turned, reaching for his towel—only for his body to go rigid.

His sharp eyes widened.

There.

Just a few feet away, pressed against the door with trembling hands, stood Devyani. Her wide eyes were frozen on him, her chest heaving as if she had been running for her life.

And he was—completely, utterly—naked.

For the first time in years, Rivan felt his pulse stutter in his throat. His body moved on instinct, snatching the towel and wrapping it tightly around his waist, his jaw clenching.

"Idiot... stupid... mannerless girl..." he hissed under his breath, water still dripping from his hair. His deep voice echoed in the steamy room, equal parts anger and disbelief.

But it was too late.

He knew from the way her face flushed and her eyes darted away—she had already seen him.

Rivan's ears burned hot with a strange, unfamiliar embarrassment, and his fists curled against his sides. He wanted to scold her, to throw her out, to demand what the hell she thought she was doing barging in like this.

But all he could do was grind out a low growl, "Do you even know where you're standing, girl?"

His irritation hid the truth—the truth that beneath his fury, he was unsettled... because the innocence in her trembling gaze had burned deeper into him than he wanted to admit.

Her breath hitched.

The moment her eyes fell on him, her heart stopped beating altogether. Water traced down his hard chest, his broad shoulders glistening under the light—an image she knew she wasn't supposed to see.

Her knees weakened, and before she knew it, her hands gripped the doorframe for support.

Oh God...

Her body trembled uncontrollably. She wanted to turn, to run, but her feet betrayed her, rooted in place. Her throat closed, no words leaving, only shaky breaths.

When his voice cut through the heavy silence—deep, sharp, filled with restrained fury—her insides twisted.

"Idiot... stupid... mannerless girl..."

The sting of his words burned her chest, but she couldn't even defend herself. She lowered her gaze instantly, ashamed, yet the image of him was already etched in her mind—an image that only made her heart beat faster.

Then she felt it.

The shift of air.

He was moving closer.

Her lashes fluttered as her wide eyes lifted, just enough to see his towering figure advancing toward her, towel tied hastily around his waist, droplets of water still sliding down his skin.

She took a step back, but her back hit the wall. Trapped. Her trembling only grew worse.

He stopped right before her, so close she could feel the warmth radiating off his damp skin, his scent of musk and soap surrounding her. His eyes narrowed, piercing, as he bent slightly—his voice a low growl that made her heart crash violently against her ribs.

"Why are you here,kitten?"

Her lips parted, but no sound came. She couldn't speak. Couldn't breathe. Couldn't move.

All she could do was clutch her saree tightly against her chest and pray her knees wouldn't give out under the weight of his presence.

His breath brushed against my ear, hot and teasing, sending shivers racing down my spine.

"Didn't anyone teach you," he whispered, his voice low and dangerous, "that watching a man take shower naked... is bad manners?"

My heart stopped.

That voice, those words—why did they sound so familiar? And then it struck me.

And before I could stop myself—before fear could silence me—my lips trembled, yet a reply slipped out, shaky but sharp:

"N-No... a wife... can see her husband bathing."

The second those words left me, I froze.

What did I just say?

Heat burned my cheeks, my chest rising and falling rapidly as my mind screamed at me for my own boldness. But my body was still trembling like a leaf, pressed against the wall, too scared he might just snap my neck for daring to answer him back.

For a moment, silence. Heavy. Dangerous.

Then his eyes widened slightly, surprise flickering in those dark depths. His lips curved—slowly, dangerously—into a smirk.

"You..." he whispered, his gaze tracing over my trembling face, "...have finally grown a tongue."

My breath hitched.

I wanted to take my words back, hide, vanish. But it was too late. His closeness suffocated me, his nearness overwhelming, and yet—inside—I felt a strange, fleeting rush.

For the first time, I had replied.

And for the first time, I saw his expression falter

My eyes... they refused to meet his. They stayed lowered, helplessly fixed on the hard planes of his body. His chest rose and fell with each breath, droplets of water sliding down his skin like teasing fire.

"I-I am s-sorry... pati Parmeshwar ji..." I whispered, my voice barely holding together. "K-Kaizan was running behind... me... so I got... scared... and... and came here. I didn't know you... were inside."

(Perhaps I did know... but my fear dragged me in anyway.)

He said nothing.

The silence pressed heavier than his voice ever could.

And my traitor eyes... oh, they betrayed me. They lingered—right at his stomach. The lines carved into him, biscuit-like squares pressed under his skin, each one sculpted, powerful, alive.

My ears burned. My cheeks flamed.

What was happening to me?

I wanted to look away, I should have looked away—but my gaze refused. My breath grew shallow, heart hammering wildly, as if my chest couldn't contain it anymore.

I bit my lip, trembling harder, clutching my saree against me as if it could shield me from this... this sinful sight.

Why was my body reacting this way? Why did my stomach twist, my pulse race, my knees weaken under his mere presence?

I didn't understand.

But one thing I knew—Rivan Thakur was dangerous... not just to my life, but to the innocence of my very soul.

Rivan turned, towel hastily knotted at his waist, only to find Devyani trembling in the doorway. Her head was bowed, lips quivering, but her eyes... oh, her eyes betrayed her.

Instead of darting away, they got stuck.

Not on his face.

Not on the towel.

But lower—on the hard lines of his abdomen.

Her gaze lingered far longer than it should have, wide and dazed, like she was trying to count the squares carved on his skin. She had never seen such a sight before, and her innocent, frightened brain did not even realize how obvious she looked.

Rivan noticed.

Of course he did.

His eyes narrowed instantly, and with an irritated grunt, he snatched another towel and draped it across his torso as if shielding himself from fire.

"Ashleel bacchi..." he muttered under his breath, the word sharp yet oddly amused.

Devyani's eyes widened in horror, her hands flying up to her mouth. Her cheeks burned crimson, ears glowing like molten coal. She shook her head furiously, words tumbling,

"Na-naahi... main... main toh... bas..."

The poor girl was practically choking on her excuses, but the damage was already done—her guilty face had given him every answer.

Rivan's lips curled in the faintest smirk, though he masked it quickly with his usual scowl. Was she really staring? At him? The thought was equal parts annoying... and dangerously satisfying.

Devyani's lips trembled, her lashes lowered as hot tears spilled down her cheeks. She tried wiping them with the back of her hand, but they only fell harder.

Rivan froze for a second, towel still clutched tightly at his waist. His jaw tightened.

"Ab yeh kya hai?" he muttered, exhaling sharply. His voice snapped out, low and impatient.

"Now why the hell are you crying?"

Her small, broken voice trembled through the space.

"S-sorry... I saw you... naked. I... I didn't mean to."

Rivan shut his eyes for a moment, pinching the bridge of his nose. Unbelievable.

Then, he hit his head on the wall in frustration

So she barges into my shower, stares at me like a deer caught in headlights, and now she's crying? For what? Isn't it supposed to be the other way around? Shouldn't I be the one crying for being viewed like a specimen by a stranger?

A dark chuckle escaped his throat as he dropped his hand. His voice dripped sarcasm.

"Wah. Tum ro rahi ho? For seeing me naked? Really?

I should be the one banging my head on the wall. Dammit—yeh ladkiyan aur unke tantrums."

His eyes hardened, that familiar coldness returning.

"That's why I hate the whole damn species. Too much drama for nothing."

Meanwhile, Devyani only lowered her head further, her chest heaving with soft sobs. She wanted to explain—wanted to say Kaizan scared her, wanted to tell him she hadn't even realized where she was running—but her throat burned. Words refused to come out.

For Rivan, her tears were an irritation. For Devyani, his sharp words were daggers.

Rivan's lips curved into a mocking half-smirk, though his eyes were sharp as blades.

"You know, girls out there die just to see me—even with my clothes on. And here you are... getting a naked show and instead of fainting in joy, you're crying."

He gave a low laugh that didn't reach his eyes, curling his fist at his side.

"I was right when I called you an alien."

Devyani hiccupped through her sobs, trying to stop herself, but curiosity bubbled up in her chest. Her watery eyes flicked once more to his torso, where he had hastily hidden himself with the towel.

Her small, trembling voice broke the silence.

"U-ummm... w-what... is this on your skin that you hide?"

The moment the words left her lips, she froze, internally slapping herself.

Curiosity will kill me one day... Why do I even open my mouth?

But the difference nagged at her. His skin wasn't like hers—there were strange, biscuit-like square shapes on it. She wanted to know why.

Rivan narrowed his eyes at her, half irritated, half amused.

"This?" he tapped his towel-covered stomach. "It's called abs."

Devyani blinked rapidly, tilting her head like a lost child.

"W-what is... abs?"

Rivan exhaled sharply, running a hand down his face. God save me from this girl.

With forced patience, he explained in clipped words.

"They're muscles. Hard work. Training. Gym. Discipline. Not something you'll understand."

But the more he explained, the more her confused frown deepened. His every word went bouncing off her like water drops on stone.

She bit her lip, murmuring under her breath,

"...Haan but... they look like biscuits stuck on skin."

He turned his face away, muttering in disbelief.

"Bas... ek din. Ek din yeh ladki mujhe pagal bana degi."

Rivan's nostrils flared the second her soft, trembling voice compared his abs to... biscuits. His jaw tightened in pure disbelief.

"Biscuits?" he hissed, anger lacing his voice. "Did you just compare my body to bakery items? Enough! Get out. I want a peaceful shower, not your nonsense."

Devyani, still clutching the edge of her saree like a shield, shook her head furiously.

"N-no... I won't go... Kaizan is there. He'll... h-he'll eat me."

Rivan raised a sharp brow, leaning against the bathroom wall with dangerous calm.

"Oh, so you want to watch me bathe instead?"

Her eyes widened like saucers, her lips trembling as she flailed her hands in panic.

"Na-na-na-no! It's not... I mean—"

He cut her stammering short, his voice dropping low, almost like a growl as he stepped closer.

"Then what do you mean, kitten?"

Her throat bobbed as she whispered, nearly in tears,

"I-I mean... please don't send me outside. He will... eat me. Pakka promise, I won't look at you. You... you bathe, and I'll just sit here with my eyes down."

For a rare moment, Rivan froze, staring at her as if she'd grown two heads. His stormy eyes widened in sheer disbelief.

"You mean... I'll shower... and you'll sit here... head bowed like some statue?"

Devyani, cheeks burning with fear and shame, gave the tiniest nod.

Rivan rubbed his temple, muttering under his breath.

But when he glanced back at her—those innocent, scared eyes shining with tears—he couldn't decide whether to laugh, strangle her, or... actually let her stay.

Rivan ran a hand through his wet hair, water still dripping down his back as he stepped out of the bathroom, only a towel clinging to his waist. His eyes narrowed the moment he saw Kaizan blocking the doorway, tail flicking lazily but eyes fixed like a guard.

Rivan's jaw tightened.

"Kaizan." His voice was a low growl. "Go. Back. To the room. Before I count to three."

The panther tilted his head, still rooted to the spot.

Rivan's tone sharpened, thunderous. "One..."

Kaizan blinked once.

"Two—"

Before 'three' even came, Kaizan bolted—furiously dashing down the corridor like his life depended on it. His heavy paws thudded against the marble until the sound vanished in the distance.

Rivan exhaled sharply, muttering under his breath, "These tantrums will be the end of me."

Devyani, who had been standing,finally peeked up with relief.

"Pati Parmeshwar ji... he's gone?"

Rivan shot her a glare. "Only because I said so. Not because of your whining."

Before she could answer, the door swung open again.

Two figures walked in casually—Reyansh and Aditya. Both froze mid-step.

Rivan stood there, wet, furious, with only a towel around his waist.

Reyansh's eyes widened before a smirk crept up.

"Well, well, morning entertainment?"

Rivan didn't even spare a glance at Reyansh or Aditya. His towel clung to his hips as he walked back into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him with a sharp thud. The sound of running water resumed, drowning the tension he left behind.

Devyani stood rooted, trembling under the weight of two pairs of eyes. She fidgeted with her Pallu, her lashes lowered, afraid they would scold her for barging into the bathroom.

Aditya, calm as always, leaned back in the chair near Rivan's desk, watching her silently. Reyansh, on the other hand, tilted his head, amusement sparking in his eyes.

"Bhabhi," Aditya's tone was soft but formal, "come, sit."

Devyani blinked, confused, and looked around. "Wh-where should I sit?" she asked in her timid voice, truly thinking they were here to punish her.

Before Aditya could answer, Reyansh pushed himself up with a grin. "Here." He walked past her, pulled her gently, and guided her toward the massive chair behind Rivan's desk.

Devyani hesitated. "This... this one?"

"Yes," Reyansh said with a mischievous smile. "This one only."

She didn't think much—just nodded nervously and sat down, clutching her saree tightly, completely unaware of what she had just done.

Aditya's eyes flickered with shock, his usually composed face tightening. He opened his mouth to stop her, but Reyansh's smirk kept him silent.

Because everyone in the Thakur Haveli knew one unshakable rule—

No one touched that chair. No one sat there. That chair was Rivan Thakur's throne.

And now, the most fragile, innocent girl in the haveli, the one Rivan could barely tolerate, was sitting in it as if it belonged to her.

Reyansh leaned against the desk, arms crossed, his smile wicked. "Hmmm... suits her, Adi. What do you think?"

Aditya's jaw tightened. "Rivan bhaiyya will kill us both for this stunt."

Devyani, clueless, looked at them with her big innocent eyes. "W-why? Am I... not supposed to sit here?"

Aditya rubbed his temples, whispering under his breath, "God save you, Bhabhi... when Bhai comes out."

The moment Devyani sat on that massive leather chair, her small frame almost swallowed by its size, the unexpected happened—

The chair swirled.

Her eyes widened instantly, her lips parting in a gasp. She clutched the armrests tightly, then looked up at Reyansh with pure childlike wonder.

"Reyansh bhaiyya... it... it rotates!" Her voice carried both shock and delight, like she had discovered a magical toy.

Reyansh's lips curved into a smile, his eyes softening at her innocence. For a moment, he forgot this was the same study where no one dared even touch that chair. "Yes, Devyani," he said, nodding slowly, "it rotates."

Her eyes sparkled, her fear forgotten, and she whispered as if sharing a secret, "Can I... play?"

"Wanna play?" Reyansh asked, deliberately teasing her, though his heart melted at the childlike excitement glowing on her face.

"Yes!" she clapped her hands together, giggling, "Yessss!"

Reyansh chuckled and gave the chair a little push. Devyani squealed softly, gripping the handles tighter as the chair spun once, then again. Her laughter echoed in the study, light and pure, filling the usually cold room with warmth it had never known.

Aditya sat back in his chair, massaging his forehead, torn between amusement and dread. His serious voice cut in, "Rey, stop this madness. Bhai will skin us alive if he sees this."

But Reyansh only laughed, his eyes twinkling as he pushed the chair again, watching Devyani twirl with wide-eyed joy.

"Relax, Adi. For once, this study looks alive."

Devyani's hairs slipped forward as she twirled, her cheeks pink from the thrill. She didn't notice Aditya's stiff form or the danger in her actions—she only saw the spinning world around her, and she laughed like a child who had just found her favorite game.

Unknowingly, she had done the one thing no soul had ever dared in Rivan's domain—

turned his throne into her toy.

Reyansh leaned back with that devil-may-care grin. "Come on, Adi. Stop acting like a fifty-year-old. Get up and play with us."

Aditya pinched the bridge of his nose, torn between his calm composure. But when his eyes fell on Devyani's pleading face—those wide doe eyes sparkling with innocent excitement—he sighed heavily.

"Fine," he muttered, surrendering, and finally stood up.

The very next moment, Devyani gripped the chair's handles tightly as if preparing for some wild ride. Reyansh went to one side, Aditya to the other.

"Ready?" Reyansh winked at her.

"Yes! Ready!" she chirped, her laughter already bubbling in her throat.

And then—push!

The chair swung toward Aditya, who caught it carefully and sent it back with equal force.

Devyani squealed, her braid flying across her shoulder, cheeks flushed with happiness.

Her laughter burst out, ringing through the study like a bell, so sweet and pure that even Aditya's usual calm expression broke into a smile.

Again and again, the chair glided between the two men. Reyansh pushed harder, making her spin halfway before Aditya steadied it, his lips twitching at the sound of her uncontrollable giggles.

"Faster!" Devyani clapped her hands, her eyes gleaming with childlike mischief.

"See? Even she agrees with me." Reyansh smirked at Aditya.

Aditya shook his head but couldn't stop the corner of his mouth from curving. He gave the chair a firmer push this time, earning another round of Devyani's joyous laughter.

For the first time in years, the icy silence of Rivan Thakur's study room was broken—not by power, not by fear, but by the sound of innocent giggles and playful chaos.

None of them realized that the door to the bathroom had just unlocked.

Glimpse

Before she could process, he bent down and scooped her into his arms.

"Aah!" Devyani gasped, her tearful eyes flying open in shock. Her tiny palms pressed against his chest as her heart leapt into her throat.

"Ye... kya... kar rahe hain aap?" she stammered, her voice trembling.

His face was unreadable, his steps firm as he started walking toward the bathroom.

"Going to take a shower."

Her spine stiffened instantly. A shiver shot through her body—not from the cold, but from his words.

"Sh...shower?" she whispered, her eyes going round, her heart pounding against her ribs.

"Yes. Shower," he said, his tone like stone, his gaze fixed ahead, refusing to look down at her terrified, flushed face.