The next day, Ananya and Radhika, with the excitement of their upcoming Jathara (village fair), went shopping. The village market was a vibrant splash of colors and sounds, a temporary escape from Ananya's churning thoughts about Vikram. They laughed, haggling with shopkeepers and trying on colorful bangles, completely lost in their own happy world.

As they were heading back, their bags full, a jeep screeched to a halt beside them. Hari Narayan, his face still bruised and a bandage adorning his head, got out, a lecherous, vengeful smirk on his face. He blocked their path, his eyes raking over Ananya with insolent possession.