The backyard of the Ramineni mansion was quiet, the air thick with the scent of wet earth. Near the old stone well, a single, dim bulb flickered, casting long shadows against the tree.

Kavya dragged Arun into the darkness, her grip tight on his wrist. Arun was vibrating with a dangerous, misplaced fury. "Kavya, vadhulu! Akkada nee thammudu naa chellini kodthunte ikkadiki thisukosthav enti?" he barked, his eyes scanning the house as if he were ready to storm back in.

(Kavya, let go! When your brother is hitting my sister there, why are you bringing me here?)

"Arun, adhi kadhu... listen to me!" Kavya tried to interject, but Arun was too far gone. His mind was playing horrific loops of Vikram beating Ananya.

"Adhi idhi enti, Kavya? Let me go!"He snapped his wrist back, breaking her hold. He turned to leave, his jaw set in a lethal line.

Frustrated and realizing words weren't working, Kavya snapped. She didn't just grab him she lunged forward, her hands hitting his chest with surprising force. She pushed him back until his spine hit the rough bark tree. Before he could react, she hovered over him, her forearms pinned against his chest, trapping him in place.

"Rey! Chepthe ardam kadhu aa? Vikram, Anu-ni kottatledhu!" she shouted right into his face.

(Hey! Don't you understand when I tell you? Vikram isn't hitting Anu!)

Arun was stunned by her sudden aggression. "Kottakapothe... Anu endhuku ala arusthundhi?"he asked, his voice still thick with confusion.

(If he's not hitting her... why is she screaming like that?)

Kavya looked at his stubborn face and realized there was only one way to make him understand the difference between a scream of pain and a moan of pleasure. She leaned in, her movement so sudden that Arun's breath hitched.

She didn't just kiss his neck she claimed it. Her lips found the sensitive cord of his throat, and then, her teeth sank into his skin. She nibbled, bit, and then began to suck and lick the spot with an intensity that made Arun's world tilt.

"Ahhh..." Arun hissed, his body jerking against the tree. His hand instinctively flew to her waist, his fingers digging into her skin as a jolt of pure electricity shot through his system.

Kavya slowly pulled back and looked up at him.

"Ippudu nuvvu endhuku arichav?" (Now... why did you scream?) she asked, her voice a low, teasing challenge.

The realization hit Arun like a thunderbolt. The sounds from upstairs, Ananya's voice... it all finally clicked in his head. The anger vanished, replaced by an overwhelming wave of embarrassment.

His neck, cheeks, and even his ears turned a deep, burning crimson. He looked away, unable to meet Kavya's triumphant gaze. "Adhi... ante... vallu..." (That... I mean... they...) He stammered, the fearsome "Arun" completely reduced to a blushing, stuttering mess.

Kavya's smirk was still lingering on her lips. "Avunu... ippudu ardam ayyindhi kadha? So, cool down,"

Kavya just smirked, leaning closer until her nose brushed his. "Inkeppudu naa thammudni em anaku, okay?"(Don't ever accuse my brother again, okay?)

she said, trying to slip away toward the house.

But Arun wasn't about to let her go that easily. In a blink, his hand shot out, catching her waist. With a swift, powerful movement, he spun her around and pinned her against the rough bark of the tree. The air left Kavya's lungs in a sharp gasp.

"Naa doubt clarify ayyindhi... but..." Arun's voice dropped into a husky, dangerous register. He tilted his head, showing her the dark, angry mark she had just left on his neck. "This... I want one more."

He didn't wait for permission. He leaned in, his lips grazing her cheek before he moved toward her ear. "Ar...un... ple..ase," Kavya stammered, her fingers fisting his shirt as her heart hammered against his chest.

"Ok... nuvvu ivvakapothe... nene istha," (Okay... if you won't give it, I'll take it myself,) he whispered.

He descended on her neck with a hunger that made her knees go weak. It wasn't just a kiss; he was marking her. He gave her open-mouthed, burning kisses, sucking her skin and nibbling the sensitive cord of her throat. When his teeth sank into her skin, Kavya couldn't hold it back anymore.

"Ahh..rrun!"she moaned, the sound echoing in the quiet backyard.

Fast as lightning, Arun's hand moved from her waist to her mouth, covering it and crushing his lips onto hers in a fierce, silencing kiss. He didn't just kiss her alppprqhe explored her, his tongue demanding entry. When Kavya moaned into his mouth, he took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, his tongue tracing every corner.

As their lips remained locked, Arun's other hand began to wander. He slowly dragged his hand under the fold of her saree, moving upward. Kavya's eyes flew open in shock as she felt his warm, rough palm reach her chest. He pressed her hard, his grip possessive and heavy.

"Ahhh!" Kavya whimpered into his mouth, her body arching into him. He began to massage her slowly, his thumb circling her hard peak before pinching it with a wicked intensity. Kavya clutched his hand, her breath coming in short, desperate gasps. She tapped on his chest, her lungs burning for air, until he finally pulled back.

Arun didn't move away. He buried his face in her neck, hugging her so tightly it felt like he was trying to merge their bodies into one.

"I... I can't control myself around you, Kavya," whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "The way you smile, the way you talk, the way you get angry at me... everything makes me fall in love with you again and again."

A soft, beautiful smile broke across her face. She reached up and gave him a tender kiss on the cheek, acknowledging the depth of his confession.

Arun felt the kiss and a mischievous glint returned to his eyes. He leaned back just enough to look at her, his voice returning to that husky, teasing tone.

"Nuvvu ila muddhulu pedithe... pelliki mundhe naa pillalaki ki mother avthav, choosko. Aa tharvatha nannu anodhu!" (If you keep giving me kisses like this... you'll become a mother to my kids before the wedding, watch out. Don't blame me later!)

Kavya's eyes widened to the size of saucers. The heat from her face felt like it could light up the entire backyard. Her neck, cheeks, and ears turned a flaming red.

"Rey!" she gasped, finally finding the strength to push him away. She didn't stay for a second longer she turned and ran toward the house as fast as her legs could carry her.

Arun stood by the tree, his thumb tracing the mark she had left on his neck, watching her retreating figure with a wide, satisfied smile.

The first light of the sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Ananya woke up first, her breath hitching as she felt the heavy, comforting weight of Vikram on her. He was sleeping like a child, his head resting peacefully on her bare chest, one powerful arm draped possessively across her waist.

Ananya looked down at him, her heart swelling. She ran her fingers through his messy hair, a small smile playing on her lips. Seeing him like this—vulnerable, his mouth slightly open. Her cheeks burned as she remembered the intensity of his kisses and the marks he had left on her skin. Their legs remained tangled under the duvet, a silent testament to the night they had shared.

She looked at his mustache the dark hair framing his sleeping face. A mischievous thought entered her mind. She began to trace the line of his mustache with her fingertip, giggling softly. Then, she caught a few strands and gave them a sharp, playful tug.

"Ahh!" Vikram hissed, his eyes snapping open as he jerked back, his hand flying to his face. He looked around in a daze, his hair disheveled and his eyes still heavy with sleep. "Em ayyindhi?" (What happened?) he muttered, looking completely lost.

Ananya couldn't hold it back anymore she burst into a fit of laughter, clutching the bedsheet to her chest.

Vikram stared at her for a moment, the fog of sleep clearing as he realized what she had done. A slow, dangerous smirk spread across his face. Before she could move, he lunged, catching both of her hands and pinning them above her head. He hovered over her, his eyes dark with a playful intensity that made her laughter die in her throat.

"Em ayyindhi? Navvuthunnav ga... navvu!" (What happened? You were laughing... go on, laugh!) he hushed, his voice a low, morning rumble.

He leaned down, his face dipping into the crook of her neck. He began to trail slow, burning kisses from her shoulder up toward her chin.

"Vikramm... stop!" she whispered, her voice trembling as she tried to wiggle her hands free. Vikram's grip only tightened.

"Ok... then give me a kiss," he demanded, his lips inches from hers.

Ananya shook her head vigorously. "No!"

"Why?" he asked, his eyebrows raised.

"Nenu brush cheyyaledhu," (I haven't brushed my teeth yet,) she said with wide, innocent eyes.

Vikram laughed—a deep, rich sound that echoed through the room. He leaned in and delivered a flurry of kisses to her cheeks instead. "Let's go do it together then," he suggested, finally releasing her hands as he sat up.

Ananya didn't wait. The moment she was free, she clutched the sheet around her and scrambled to the other side of the bed. Vikram took one step toward her, but she was faster. She bolted for the washroom, her laughter ringing through the air.

SLAM! The door locked just as Vikram reached it. He stood there, knocking playfully. "Ananya! Open the door. This is cheating!" he whined, though the grin on his face was audible.

"Get out, Vikram garuuuu!" she shouted from behind the door, still giggling as she started the shower.

Vikram leaned his forehead against the door, a look of pure, unadulterated happiness on his face.

__________

The Ramineni mansion is no longer a silent fortress it has transformed into a beehive of "hadavidi" the beautiful, chaotic hustle and bustle of a grand South Indian wedding. With the dates fixed, the air is thick with the scent of fresh turmeric, jasmine, and the savory aroma of traditional delicacies being prepared in massive quantities.

The house was overflowing with life. Relatives from every branch of the family tree had begun to gather, their laughter echoing through the halls. In the main courtyard, the men—Raghava, Raghuram, Krishna, and Sudhakar—were huddled together, meticulously reviewing wedding card designs and guest lists. Arun, the groom-to-be, sat among them, looking uncharacteristically patient, while Vikram, sharp and fully ready in his crisp attire, sat beside him like a silent pillar of support.

Meanwhile, the women's quarters were a riot of color and sound. Large brass bowls of turmeric were being prepared, and the aunties were already debating the menu for the Sangeet.

Ananya moved through the crowd like a breath of fresh air, draped in a simple yet extraordinary pink silk saree. She looked breathtakingly cute, her eyes sparkling with the excitement of her brother's big day.

Kavya, already dressed and glowing, was stuck close to her grandmother, Sita, helping with the arrangements.

Surya walked into the outside kitchen area carrying a steaming cup of coffee. Ananya, feeling the exhaustion of the morning's work, reached for it with a bright smile.

"Thanks, Amma! I was just about to ask you for this, and you brought it yourself!" she said, her fingers almost touching the handle.

Thwack! Surya lightly tapped her daughter's hand away. "Idhi neeku kadhu... it's for Vikram. Go give it to him first, then you can come back and have yours," Surya said firmly.

Ananya's jaw dropped. She put on her best dramatic, sad face. "Enti? I have to wait? Before Vikram came into the picture, you used to give me coffee without me even asking! 'Thisuko Anu, thagu' ani entha prema ga icchedhanivi... now that you have a son-in-law (Alludu), your daughter isn't even visible to you!" The kitchen erupted in laughter. Sita and Kavya couldn't stop giggling at Ananya's mock-accusatory tone.

"Surya, nuvvu aagu," Sita intervened, patting Ananya's cheek. "Anu, don't mind her. You go give him the coffee, and by the time you're back, I'll have a special cup waiting just for you."

Ananya beamed, throwing a triumphant look at her mother. "Love you, Ammamma!"she chirped, raising her eyebrows playfully at Surya to show how much her grandmother still pampered her.

As Ananya turned to leave, Surya called out again, her voice teasing. "Ayina... enti Vikram, Vikram ani mee ayanni peru tho pilusthunnav?" (Why are you still calling your husband 'Vikram'?)

Ananya stopped, looking annoyed. "Mari inkemani pilvalo?" (Then what else should I call him?)

"Bava ani pilavali!" Surya declared with a wink.

The word hit Ananya like a lightning bolt. Her cheeks instantly turned a deep, flaming crimson. she could handle him in a locked room, but being told to call him "Bava" in front of her mother and grandmother made her feel like a shy teenager again.

"Amma! Look at my daughter blushing!" Surya teased even louder. "Amma, look at this! I never thought I'd see this day in this lifetime... it's all thanks to Vikram's kindness"

Ananya didn't wait to hear another word. Clutching the coffee cup, she bolted out of the kitchen, her heart racing and her face glowing red, running.

Vikram stood in the long, sun-drenched corridor, his phone pressed to his ear as he wrapped up a professional call. As he clicked the phone shut and turned, he saw Ananya standing there, looking like a dream in her pink saree.

"Bavaa... coffee," she said softly.

Vikram froze. The word sounded like music coming from her lips. A slow, possessive smirk spread across his face as he tucked his phone into his pocket."Enti Bangaram? Ee kotha pilupu?" (What is this, my gold? This new way of calling me?) he asked, his voice dropping an octave as he stepped closer.

Ananya looked down, her fingers fiddling with the handle of the cup."Ante... Amma cheppindhi. Peru petti pilavadhu ani... Bava ani pilavali ani," she whispered shyly.

"Avuna? Inkem cheppindhi Atthyya?" (Really? What else did Mother-in-law say?) Vikram teased, taking another step until he was in her personal space. Ananya looked up, her eyes sparking. "Inka chala cheppindhi..."

Before she could finish, the sound of a car crunching on the gravel driveway interrupted them. They both turned to see a sleek car pull up. A young girl, about 23, stepped out with an air of immense arrogance. Behind her, an older couple followed.

Ananya's face fell instantly. Her grip on the coffee cup tightened. It was Bindhu, Raghava's brother's granddaughter. To Ananya, Bindhu wasn't a cousin she was a headache.

"Baboi... ee deyyam vacchindhi enti,"(Oh god... why did this ghost show up?) Ananya whispered under her breath.

Vikram, who was still standing close enough to hear her, let out a soft chuckle. He looked at the girl and then back at his wife.

"Anuuuuu!" Bindhu shrieked, running forward and wrapping Ananya in a suffocatingly fake hug. Ananya plastered a polite, empty smile on her face as she pulled away as quickly as possible.

"How are you, Bindhu?" Ananya asked. She greeted Bindhu's parents with a respectful "How are you, Pinni and Babai?" but they merely nodded coldly before walking inside. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife.

Bindhu didn't waste a second. She looked Ananya up and down, her eyes full of spite disguised as pity. "Enti... I heard your wedding got cancelled? And then you married someone else so quickly? So sad, Ananya. I'm so sorry I missed that... 'wedding'."

Ananya felt the anger bubbling in her chest, but she didn't let her mask slip. She took a deep breath and smiled—not a shy smile, but a triumphant one.

"It's okay, Bindhu. Don't worry. I'm married to the man I love, and he happens to be Raghuram Mavayya's son."

She turned slightly and called out, her voice clear and proud. "Bava!"

Vikram, who had been watching from a few feet away, immediately walked toward her. His aura was cold, powerful, and undeniably attractive. Ananya reached out, clutching his muscular arm and pulling him close to her side.

"He is my husband, Vikram," she said, her eyes locked on Bindhu.

Bindhu's face went pale. The mocking smirk vanished as she looked at Vikram. He wasn't just "some man"—he was a DCP, he was tall, handsome, and the way he looked at Ananya made Bindhu's blood boil with jealousy.

"Bava, she is my cousin sister, Bindhu," Ananya introduced.

Bindhu, suddenly desperate for his attention, extended her hand for a handshake. Vikram didn't take it. He kept his expression neutral and brought his hands together in a polite, traditional Namaskaram.

Ananya felt like dancing. She saw the way Bindhu's hand awkwardly dropped to her side.

"Ok, Bindhu. Bye! We have a lot of work to do," Ananya chirped. She didn't wait for a reply. She turned Vikram around and led him inside, her head held high. Behind them, Bindhu stood there seething in silence and anger as she watched them walk away together.

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Hey cuties........

What do you guys think about the new entry, Bindhu? Do you hate her as much as Ananya does, or are you excited to see the drama she brings? I'd love to hear your thoughts on her character!

Please vote and comment