Morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the bed.

Vikram woke up first. His arm was numb, pinned under a sleeping Ananya, who was curled into his side, seeking warmth. Her lips were almost touching the hollow of his neck.

For a moment, Vikram just lay there, the reality of the situation washing over him. From the moment he first saw her in Mumbai, he knew he wanted her. But to have her here, in his arms, as his wife? It felt like a dream he didn't want to wake up from.

He looked down. The red trace of kumkum in her hairline and the mangalsutra resting against the soft curve of her chest filled him with a fierce sense of pride. Mine.

He slowly kissed her forehead.

"Hmmpphh..." Ananya sighed in her sleep, her hands instinctively tightening on his shirt collar, snuggling deeper into him.

Vikram smiled. His hand began a slow, deliberate journey down her back, tracing her spine until his palm rested possessively on her waist. He felt her shiver slightly.

He knew she was awake.

He shifted slightly, making her lie flat on her back. Ananya kept her eyes squeezed shut, feigning deep sleep.

Vikram's hand moved lazily, sensually, from her waist to her neck, his thumb brushing against her pulse point. Then, without warning, his hand snapped back to her waist and pinched the soft skin hard.

"Ahhhh!" Ananya screamed, her eyes flying open. She grabbed his hand, glaring at him.

Vikram threw his head back and laughed loudly.

"Meeru... Endhuku nannu gillaru?" she accused, pointing her forefinger at him angrily.(You... Why did you pinch me?)

Vikram caught her finger and pulled her closer until their noses touched. "Oho Ananya garu... leche unnaru aa?" he whispered, his voice dropping.(Oho Ananya garu... so you are awake?)

"Ledhu... Nenu padukunna" (No... I was sleeping,) Ananya lied, trying to wriggle out of his hold.

Her squirming only pressed her softer curves against his hard chest. Vikram's eyes darkened. He trapped her legs with his own, stopping her movement.

"Nuvvu kadhalatam aapakapothe..." (If you don't stop moving...) he warned, his voice husky.

"Aapakapothe?" (If I don't?) she challenged breathlessly.

Vikram leaned in, his lips hovering dangerously close to hers. "Aapakapothe, I might just forget we have to leave this bed today. And trust me, you won't be sleeping."

Ananya's breath hitched. "Vadhalandi..." (Leave me...) she whispered weakly, her cheeks flushing crimson.

"Ippudu intha fast ga lechi em chesthav?" (What will you do waking up so fast now?) Vikram asked, burying his face in the crook of her neck.

"Ahmmm..." Ananya moaned as Vikram bit down gently on her collarbone, soothing the spot with his tongue.

"You didn't answer my question" he murmured against her skin, licking a path toward her cleavage.

"Breakfast...." she stammered, her hands clutching his hair.

"I'm having my breakfast" Vikram growled, nipping at her sensitive skin.

"Vikrammm... Please" she pleaded, her resolve melting.

Vikram lifted his head, eyes blazing. "Ok. Kiss me, I will leave you."

Ananya shook her head, shy.

"Oohhuu ante kudaradhu. Muddhu pettesi vellu, ledhante ilane undham. Naku chala comfortable ga undhi," (Saying no won't work. Give me a kiss and go, otherwise let's stay like this. It's very comfortable for me,) he said, snuggling closer and tightening his grip.

Ananya sighed, defeated but smiling. "Close your eyes."

"No."

"Abba, close your eyes then I will kiss you!"

Vikram smirked but slowly closed his eyes, waiting.

Ananya leaned in. She pressed a soft kiss to his forehead. Then, keeping her lips close to his skin, she dragged them down to his cheek, pressing firmly. Vikram's hold on her waist loosened as he melted into the sensation. She kissed the tip of his nose, then his other cheek.

Vikram, lost in the haze of her affection, didn't notice her shifting her weight.

Just as he leaned forward to capture her lips, Ananya slipped out of his arms and rolled off the bed. She stood up, laughing triumphantly.

"Sorry Pappu garu!" she teased.

Vikram's eyes snapped open. He growled and lunged for her, but she was faster. She ran into the bathroom and slammed the door shut just as he reached it.

"Ananya! This is cheating. Open the door!" Vikram banged on the wood, amused despite himself.

"No Pappu garu! Go out, let me get ready!" she shouted back, giggling.

Inside, Ananya leaned against the door, catching her breath. She looked in the mirror. Her saree was disheveled, her hair messy, and dark hickeys painted a map of his desire across her neck. She touched one and smiled, her heart.

Her eyes fell on the kurti set hanging on the hook. She had kept it inside the bathroom yesterday night, intending to change into it, but Vikram hadn't let her change then, making her sleep in the saree.

Meanwhile, at the raghava's house, Kavya came downstairs, dressed and ready. Arun stood up immediately, giving her a reassuring nod.

They walked toward the door, hand in hand.

"Arun."

The voice stopped them cold. It was Raghava.

The entire family gathered in the hall. Raghava walked slowly towards them. He didn't look at Arun; he looked straight at Kavya.

"Choodu amma, nuvvu ee intiki na manavarali la kakunda Arun bharya ga vacchavu kabatti ee intlo unnavu. Adhi marchipoku.

" (Look dear, you are staying in this house not as my granddaughter, but as Arun's wife. Don't forget that.)

Tears welled up in Kavya's eyes. She wasn't a daughter of the house anymore; she was a guest.

Arun's grip on her wrist tightened to the point of pain, silent assurance flowing from him. Kavya nodded slowly, swallowing her grief.

"Konni rojullo mee pelli ki kuda muhurthalu pettisthanu" (In a few days, I will set the auspicious dates for your wedding too,) Raghava added coldly.

Arun gave a stiff nod. "Gudiki vellostham Thathaya" (We are going to the temple, Grandfather,) Arun lied smoothly. He pulled Kavya out of the suffocating house before she could break down.

In the car, Kavya sat silently, tears rolling down her cheeks. Arun started the engine, reached over, and covered her trembling hand on the gear stick with his own warm palm. He squeezed it once.

They drove straight to Vikram's quarters.

Arun and Kavya arrived at the quarters. Before the car even stopped fully, Kavya jumped out and ran inside.

Raghuram was sitting in the small living room, sipping coffee.

"Nanna!"

Raghuram looked up, startled. He quickly placed the cup on the table and stood up. "Kavya!"

Kavya ran into his arms, burying her face in his chest. "Nanna..." she sobbed, holding him tight.

"Bangaru thalli" (Golden girl,) Raghuram whispered, stroking her hair.

Arun walked in slowly, smiling at the reunion.

"Sorry Nanna" Kavya hiccuped. "Sorry"

"Ila choodu thalli, endhuku edusthunnav?" (Look here dear, why are you crying?) He lifted her chin and wiped her tears. "Everything will be fine."

"Nanna..."

"Shhh" Raghuram soothed. Kavya rested her head on his shoulder, finding peace after the chaotic night.

They sat on the sofa. Arun sat opposite them.

"Bagunnava babu?" (Are you fine, son?) Raghuram asked kindly.

Arun nodded. "Ananya?" he asked softly. He needed to see his sister.

Raghuram pointed to the closed bedroom door. "That was their room, babu."

"Ok uncle" Arun stood up and walked to the door. He knocked firmly. "Ananya?"

Inside the bedroom, Vikram groaned, throwing his head back in frustration. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting like a predator for Ananya to come out.

The lock clicked.

Vikram's eyes snapped to the bathroom door.

Ananya opened the door slowly. She was wiping her wet hair with a towel, stepping out cautiously. She looked fresh and beautiful in the simple kurti.

She saw Vikram sitting on the bed. He stood up immediately, his hands resting on his hips.

Ananya took a step forward, intending to walk past him to the dressing table.

But she never made it.

Before she could take another step, Vikram moved. He lunged forward, grabbed her by the waist, and spun her around.

Thud.

He pinned her firmly against the wall next to the bathroom door.

"Baaga thelivithetalu perigipoyayi" (Your cleverness has increased a lot,) Vikram hissed, his voice low and dangerous.

His hand tightened on her waist, pulling her flush against his body.

Ananya's heartbeat skyrocketed. She looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes, the towel still clutched in her hand. "Vikram..."

Vikram didn't let her speak. He leaned in, his nose brushing against her cheek. He inhaled her scent—soap and fresh jasmine.

He lifted his head slowly, his eyes locking onto her lips.

"Kiss me" he demanded. It wasn't a request.

Ananya's breath hitched. She saw the hunger in his eyes. Slowly, she stood on her tiptoes, leaning in to close the distance, her lips parting slightly to meet his.

Knock. Knock.

"Ananya!" Arun's voice called out from the other side of the door.

Vikram froze. He closed his eyes and let out a frustrated groan. "Mee annaya ki em pani ledha? Eppudu correct time lo vasthadu!" (Does your brother have no work? He always comes at the correct time!) he whispered, irritated.

Ananya giggled nervously, slapping his arm. "Ma annaya ni anoddhu." (Don't scold my brother.)

"Abbo! Na muddhu naku icchi vellu nuvvu," (Oh really! Give me my kiss and go,) he insisted, refusing to move back.

"Annaya..." Ananya tried to warn him.

Before she could finish, Vikram grabbed her face and crashed his lips onto hers. It wasn't gentle it was furious and demanding. He bit her lower lip, sucking hard, punishing her for the interruption.

Ananya gasped, her hands instinctively clutching his hair.

He broke the kiss, leaving her breathless and her lips swollen. He smirked.

He released her abruptly, smirking at her swollen lips. "Ippudu open chesko door." (Now open the door.)

He turned and walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

Ananya stood there breathless, touching her lips. She quickly straightened her dress, smoothed her hair, and opened the door.

"Annaya!" She smiled, trying to look normal, and hugged him tightly.

They broke the hug, and Arun frowned, looking at her slightly flushed face. "Entha sepu ae door thiyataniki? Em chesthunnav?" (How long does it take to open a door? What were you doing?) he asked innocently.

Ananya froze. "Annaya... adhi..."

Kavya, who had walked up behind Arun, pinched his arm hard.

"Ah!" Arun yelped.

"Nuvvu Vikram breakfast cheyataniki randi Anu" (You and Vikram come for breakfast Anu,) Kavya said quickly, dragging Arun towards the kitchen.

"Ala aduguthav enti? Vallu kotthaga pelli ayina vallu!" (Why do you ask like that? They are newlyweds!) she hissed at him once they were out of earshot.

Arun's eyes widened as realization dawned. He scratched his neck, embarrassed. "Nenu antha alochinchaledhu..." (I didn't think that much...)

"Nuvvu alochinchavu asalu moddhu!" (You don't think at all, blockhead!) She hit his head playfully.

"Abba! Endhuke ala manhandle chesthav?" (Ouch! Why do you manhandle me like that?) Arun rubbed his head, pouting.

Kavya smiled at his cute expression. "Sorry bujjulu" she cooed, leaning up and kissing his cheek firmly.

Arun froze. "Elley! Indhaka emo edho jathara lo thappipoyina papa la edchav, ippudu emo koduthunnav. I don't want your sorry" he grumbled, trying to hide his blush.

(Go away! Just now you were crying like a kid lost in a fair, now you are hitting me. I don't want your sorry,)

Kavya stepped closer, trapping him against the counter. "Abbacha? Sorry kakapothe em kavali raa neeku?" (Oh really? If not sorry, what do you want raa?)

"Enti 'raa' naa?" (What, 'raa'?) he asked, shocked by the intimate slang.

"Avunu 'raa' ne!" (Yes, 'raa'!) she said, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. She leaned in and bit his cheek gently.

"Ahh!" Arun hissed.

She immediately kissed the spot she had bitten. "Love you" she whispered against his skin.

Arun turned beet red. "Enti eeroju intha muddhu ga unnavu?" (Why are you so cute today?)

"Abbo... siggu padthunnav!" (Oh my... you are blushing!) she teased, laughing.

She turned and skipped to the dining table. Vikram and Ananya walked in just then.

Ananya looked at Arun. "Entra nee face endhuku antha red ga undhi?" (What happened, why is your face so red?)

Arun stayed silent, sitting down quickly.

Vikram smirked, sitting beside him. "Enti Bavagaru... siggu padthunnara?" (What brother-in-law... are you feeling shy?)

"No," Arun muttered, avoiding eye contact.

They all sat down to eat. Ananya went to call Raghuram. Just as they were about to serve, the loud honk of a car echoed from outside.

Ananya walked to the window and peered out. Her face went pale.

"Thathaya car" she whispered, turning to the group. "Vikram... Thathaya car. Thathaya vaccharu anukunta." (Vikram... Grandfather's car. I think Grandfather has come.)

The spoon dropped from Kavya's hand. Arun stood up instantly. The room fell into a tense silence.

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