The morning sun rise,Ananya woke up with a glow that no expensive cream could replicate. She looked at the empty space beside her and then she went towards washroom to freshup.

Ananya stood before the dressing table, her fingers working fast. She was an artist today, and her canvas was her own neck. She dabbed the concealer with professional precision, hiding the dark, purplish marks Vikram had left behind.

she looked at her reflection, a shy, triumphant smile playing on her lips.

Just then, the bathroom door creaked open. Vikram stepped out, steam clinging to his skin. He was wearing only his trousers, his chest bare and glistening, rubbing a towel through his damp, dark hair. Ananya's breath hitched. No matter how many times she saw him, he always managed to make her knees feel like jelly.

She marched over, her saree pallu fluttering, and snatched the towel from his hand. "Nenu chesthanu," (I'll do it,) she said softly.

Vikram smirked, his hands immediately finding their home on her waist, pulling her flush against him. As she stood on her tiptoes, rubbing the towel smoothly over his head, she noticed it-the mark on his neck. It was dark, bold, and perfectly visible.

She leaned in, her lips grazing the mark in a soft, lingering kiss.

"Do you really want us to stay on the bed all day, Bangaram?" Vikram asked, his voice a deep, husky vibration that traveled through her entire body. "Because if you keep doing that, I'm officially going on leave."

Ananya trembled, her heart doing a frantic dance. She quickly pulled back, trying to regain her "serious" wife persona. "Abbe... ledhu! Already late ayyindhi. By the way... where is Anand annayya?"

Vikram let out a low chuckle at her sudden change of topic. "He went to Mumbai. He has a job to look after, right? But he'll be back today."

"Radhika told me that Thathayya invited Radhika's father today. They are going to fix the dates for Anand and Radhika's wedding!" Ananya added, her eyes brightening.

Vikram nodded, a genuine, warm smile crossing his face. He was happy for his friend, but his eyes were still locked on the woman in front of him. "Go ready fast," Ananya squeaked, pushing him toward his shirt and bolting out of the room before he could trap her again.

The living room of the Ramineni mansion was a portrait of traditional elegance. The scent of sandalwood incense and fresh jasmine hung in the air as the elders gathered around the heavy teak coffee table. Outside, the sounds of the wedding decorators provided a rhythmic backdrop to a conversation that was about to change two more lives.

Raghava sat regally in his armchair, his eyes twinkling with a plan that had been brewing since breakfast. Across from him sat Radhika's father, looking slightly nervous but hopeful.

"Subba Rao garu," Raghava began, his voice warm and commanding. "We've looked at the horoscopes. The date we've fixed for Arun and Kavya is exceptionally auspicious. In fact, it's a rare Muhurtham. Why don't we fix Anand and Radhika's wedding for that same day?"

Radhika's father hesitated, his hands tightening around his tea glass. "raghava garu... that's a lot of honor. But two weddings at once? The arrangements, the guests..."

Raghava cut him off with a gentle wave of his hand. "Radhika is like my own granddaughter. To me, there is no difference between her and Kavya. Let's make it a double celebration. Two pairs, one mandapam. Think of the joy!"

Raghuram, leaned forward with a proud smile. "Anand is also my son, Subba Rao garu. I want his wedding to be grand, and what better way than alongside his sister's? My house is your house. Let's bring Radhika home on the same day Kavya leaves for her new life."

Seeing the genuine love from the Ramineni family, Radhika's father finally felt the weight lift from his shoulders. He looked at Radhika, who was standing near the pillar, her face a deep shade of crimson.

"If that is your wish, Raghava garu... then I am more than happy. Let's do it," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Ananya, stepped closer to Radhika. She nudged her friend's shoulder, her eyes dancing with mischief.

"Arre! Choodu, choodu! Someone's face is turning redder than the kumkum on the table!" Ananya whispered loudly enough for the cousins to hear.

"Anu, stop it!" Radhika hissed, trying to hide her smile behind her dupatta.

"Why should I stop? Yesterday you were just my friend, today you are my 'Thoti-Kodalu' (Co-sister-in-law)!" Ananya teased, her voice full of laughter.

"Kavya! Choodu! Our Radhika is already practicing her 'blushing bride' look. One wedding hadavidi wasn't enough for this house, now we have to handle two sets of grooms!"

Kavya ran over, joining the circle. "Exactly, anu!"

Radhika looked at Ananya, seeing the sheer happiness on her friend's face. She leaned in and whispered, "You look different today, Anu. Very... bright. Is it the wedding news, or did my bavagaru give you a special morning kiss"

Ananya's hand instinctively went to her neck, checking the concealer.Making both girls erupt into giggles.

Just as the laughter peaked, a car screeched to a halt in the driveway. Anand had returned from Mumbai earlier than expected. He walked in, dusty and tired, only to find everyone staring at him and Radhika with wide grins.

"Enti? Why is everyone looking at me like I just won the lottery?" Anand asked, confused.

Ananya stepped forward, crossing her arms. "Lottery kadhu, Annayya... Bumper Prize! Better go get your wedding sherwani ready!"

Anand stood frozen, his travel bag still clutched in his hand, eyes darting between raghava and the blushing girl standing by the pillar.

He looked at Raghuram, who gave a firm, proud nod, and then at Raghava, who was beaming like the sun.

"Nijamgane... fix ayyindha?" (Is it really... fixed?) Anand whispered, his voice cracking slightly from the long journey and the sudden shock.

"Yes" Ananya chirped, walking over to him and giving his arm a playful shake. "Radhika is officially going to be my 'Thoti-Kodalu' (Co-sister-in-law). Inkokasari 'Mumbai job' ani escape avvalevu!"

(You can't escape saying 'Mumbai job' anymore!)

Anand finally let go of his bag. He turned his gaze toward Radhika. She was tucked slightly behind Ananya, her fingers nervously twisting the end of her dupatta, her face a deep, beautiful shade of rose.

As their eyes met, the noise of the house seemed to fade. Anand's exhausted face transformed into a slow, breathtaking smile-a mix of relief, disbelief, and pure, unadulterated love. It was the look of a man who had been wandering for a long time and had finally realized he was home.

Radhika looked up for just a second, her shy smile reflecting his, before she quickly looked down again, unable to handle the intensity of his gaze in front of the whole family.

Vikram, who had been watching the scene from the staircase, walked down, his heavy boots thudding softly on the wood. He stepped up to Anand and placed a heavy, supportive hand on his shoulder.

"Welcome back, pellikoduku-garu," Vikram teased, his voice a low, masculine rumble.

Anand laughed, a real, hearty sound this time.

Raghuram walked over and hugged anand, his eyes misty. "Go, fresh up avvu, Anand. Radhika's father is here. We have a lot of things to discuss and even more shopping to do!"

Anand nodded, but as he started to walk toward the stairs, he stopped and looked back at Radhika one more time. "Radhika... It's ok for you Right" he asked radhika nodded shyly .

The cousins immediately started hooting.

Ananya pushed Anand toward the stairs. "Velli fresh up avvu, Annayya! "

The afternoon heat in devi Puram was relentless, and the Ramineni mansion was buzzing with the energy of two fixed weddings. The dining hall was packed, the air thick with the aroma of spicy Gongura and steaming rice.

Ananya sat across from Vikram, her plate piled with her favorite curries. Between the humidity of the crowded room and the spicy food, a few beads of perspiration had formed on her neck.

Unknowingly, as she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her fingers brushed against her skin, smudging the thick layer of concealer she had so carefully applied that morning.

Slowly, the "mask" faded. The dark, purplish-red marks-Vikram's unmistakable "signature" from the night before-began to peek through the beige cream like a blooming flower.

Bindhu, who had been picking at her food while keeping a hawk-like watch on Vikram, suddenly froze. Her fork hovered mid-air. Her eyes widened, tracking the smudge on Ananya's neck. Her gaze then flickered to Vikram, who was sitting regally, his top shirt button still undone, proudly displaying the matching mark on his own throat.

The realization hit Bindhu like a physical blow. The marks were loud, clear, and incredibly possessive.

Bindhu's face went pale. Her hand under the table clenched into a white-knuckled fist. The laughter of the cousins and the talk of the double wedding felt like hammers against her skull.

Unable to take another second Bindhu abruptly stood up. The legs of her chair screeched against the floor, drawing a few curious glances.

"I... I'm not feeling well. The heat is too much," she muttered through gritted teeth. Without waiting for a response, she washed her hands in the middle of the meal and stormed away.

Ananya watched her go, a slow, razor-sharp smirk spreading across her lips. She didn't need to say a word. She caught Vikram's eye.

Vikram, who had clearly seen Bindhu's meltdown, raised his glass of water toward Ananya in a silent toast. His eyes were dark with that familiar, predatory mischief. He leaned forward slightly, his voice a low murmur meant only for her.

"Enthaina... concealer kante naa marks ae neeku baga suit ayyayi, Bangaram." (Anyway... my marks suit you much better than that concealer, my gold.)

Ananya felt a fresh wave of heat climb up her face, but this time, she didn't look down. She took a slow sip of water, her eyes locked on his. "Avunu, Bava. Correct target ki reach ayyayi," (Yes, Bava. They reached the correct target,) she whispered back.

"She thought she could play with fire. Now she's burnt! Let her go and cry in her room. This is what happens when you try to touch what belongs to me .Ananya whispered to herself.

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Inside the DCP headquarters, the air was thick with the scent of old files. Vikram stood before a massive whiteboard, his eyes bloodshot. Photos of Ranga and his men were pinned across the board, connected by a web of red strings.

Every lead was a dead end. Every informant was suddenly "silent." It was as if Ranga had vanished. Vikram slammed his fist onto the table, making the coffee cups rattle.

"He's here. I can feel him," Vikram muttered, his jaw tight. "Adugu bayataki vesthe dorikesthadu... kani aa okka adugu veyatledu." (If he takes one step out, he's caught... but he isn't taking that step.)

His frustration wasn't just professional it was personal. He knew that as long as Ranga was free, he will definitely target ananya.

The stakes have shifted from a luxury bungalow to the cold, iron bars of the Jail. But even behind bars, the venom of the MLA and his son, Hari Narayan, is more potent than ever. They aren't just looking for bail; they are looking for a blood debt.

Inside the high-security block, the air was damp and smelled of rust. Hari Narayan paced the narrow space of his cell like a caged tiger, his expensive silk shirt now replaced by a coarse prisoner's tunic. His father, the MLA, sat on the stone bench, his face a mask of cold, calculated fury.

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"The bail papers are being blocked at every turn," the MLA hissed, his voice echoing against the stone walls. "Vikram Ramineni has stripped us of our name in public. He thinks these walls can stop me?"

Hari Narayan slammed his fist against the iron bars. "I want him to feel the same pain, Nanna. He took everything from us. I want to take the only thing he values."

Outside the bars, standing in the dim light of the visitor's corridor, Ranga leaned against the wall. He had entered under the guise of a legal assistant, his jagged scar shadowed by a low-hanging cap. He let out a low, sandpaper-like laugh.

"Vikram doesn't care about his life, MLA garu," Ranga said, his voice dropping to a sinister whisper.

" Vadini kottalante, vadu pranam kante ekkuvaga preminche dhanni kottali." (To hit him, you have to hit what he loves more than his life.)

Hari Narayan stopped pacing. A slow, evil grin spread across his face as he looked at Ranga through the bars.

"Ananya."

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In the evening The yellow theme of the Pasupu (Haldi) ceremony turned the Ramineni mansion into a golden palace. The scent of fresh turmeric and marigolds hung heavy in the air, creating a vibrant, festive atmosphere.The haldi ceremony is going to held on backyard.

The hall fell silent as the ladies descended the stairs. Kavya and Radhika looked like ethereal angels in their matching yellow lehengas, their skin already glowing in anticipation of the ritual. But it was Ananya who truly stole the breath from the room. Draped in a sunrise-yellow saree that accentuated every curve, she looked breathtaking, her eyes bright with happiness.They went towards backyard.

Beside the stage, the three men-Arun, Anand, and Vikram-stood like statues. Their conversations died mid-sentence.

Arun's jaw practically hit the floor as he watched Kavya, who gave him a playful wink that made him turn as red as the kumkum on the platters.

Anand was lost in Radhika's eyes, his Mumbai stress completely forgotten.

But Vikram... his gaze was a dark, focused flame. He didn't just look at Ananya he devoured her with his eyes, his possessiveness flaring as he saw every relative staring at his wife.

Bindhu stood near the Haldi bowls, her heart twisting like a wet cloth. Seeing the couples so happy, and seeing Ananya looking so radiant, was more than she could handle. As Ananya moved toward the stage, her hands full of turmeric paste to apply to the two brides and her brothers, Bindhu saw her chance.

As Ananya passed by, Bindhu subtly extended her foot, hoping to send Ananya sprawling into the mud and Haldi, ruining her saree and her dignity in front of everyone.

Ananya felt her foot catch. Her eyes widened in a split-second of pure panic as the world began to tilt. "Amma!" she gasped, the Haldi bowl slipping from her hand.

But she never hit the floor.

A powerful arm shot out, wrapping firmly around her waist and hauling her back against a solid, warm chest. Vikram had moved with the speed of a predator. He caught her so effortlessly that it looked like a choreographed dance move. He pulled her flush against him, his breath hot against her ear as the room erupted in a collective "Ooh!"

"Jagrattha, Bangaram," (Be careful) Vikram whispered, his voice deep and steady. He didn't let go immediately; his hand stayed locked on her waist, marking his territory in front of the entire family.

The silence was broken by the sound of Arun and Anand looking at each other and nodding in synchronized mischief. The cousins started whistling and hooting, the sound echoing through the courtyard.

Anand leaned back on his ceremonial chair, a huge grin on his face as he looked at Vikram.

"Arre Vikram! If you've completed your romance and your 'Jagrattha' session, can you let my sister actually apply the Haldi on us?" Anand teased loudly.

"We're waiting here like statues while you two are busy making a movie scene!"

The crowd burst into laughter. Ananya's cheeks turned a shade of red that outshone her yellow saree. She quickly scrambled to stand on her own feet, avoiding Vikram's smirking gaze as she hurried toward the stage.

"Annayya! Stop it!" she squeaked, her hands shaking slightly as she finally reached for the Haldi.

Vikram stood back, crossing his arms over his chest, his eyes never leaving her. He didn't mind the teasing. In fact, he looked like a man who was perfectly fine with the whole world knowing exactly who he was protecting.

Ananya had just finished delicately dabbing haldi on her brothers when a shadow loomed over them. Vikram, usually the epitome of discipline, stepped forward with a wicked glint in his eyes. Without a word of warning, he scooped up a massive handful of thick, yellow paste.

"Arre! Vikram! What are you-" Anand's sentence was cut short as Vikram smeared the paste across his face, hair, and even behind his ears with the efficiency of a man serving a warrant.

The backyard erupted. Radhika leaned against the cement tank, laughing so hard she had to hold her stomach.

Anand, looking like a human marigold, didn't hesitate. He grabbed his own handful and lunged at Vikram. "Oh! Vikram garu is in the mood for a riot? Come on then!"

Suddenly, the motor was switched on. A spray of cool water hit the group, turning the dry haldi into a slippery, messy celebration.

Amongst the chaos of splashing water and yellow clouds, Arun and Anand shared a sharp, silent glance. They hadn't missed Bindhu's "accidental" trip earlier. Their protectiveness for Ananya wasn't a loud shout it was a calculated move.

Bindhu, trying to look like part of the inner circle, approached with a bowl of haldi, her eyes fixed on Vikram. She stepped carefully through the wet patches, looking for a way to get close to him.

She didn't see Arun and Anand repositioning themselves.

"Oops! Watch out, Bindhu!" Arun shouted, his voice full of fake alarm.

In a move as synchronized as a professional sports play, the two brothers "tripped" simultaneously, their shoulders colliding with Bindhu just enough to send her off-balance. With a startled shriek, Bindhu didn't just fall-she landed face-first into the thick, dark mud patch created by the overflowing motor water.

Bindhu lay there, her expensive yellow outfit now a disastrous brown. She looked up, waiting for someone to rush to her aid, to scold arun and anand, to offer a hand.

But no one looked.

The cousins were busy dunking Anand in the water tank. Ananya and Radhika were laughing as they sprayed Vikram with a hose. The music was too loud, the laughter too boisterous.

"Looks like the mud suits her better than the haldi," Anand whispered to Arun, the two of them smirking as they high-fived and walked back into the fray.

The message was clear Ananya was no longer alone. She had a husband who would catch her before she fell, and brothers who would make sure anyone who tried to trip her ended up in the dirt.

The air in the Ramineni mansion was thick with the scent of celebrations, but in a dark corner of the guest room, the atmosphere was poisonous.

Bindhu sat in front of her mirror, her skin scrubbed clean of the mud, but her eyes reflected a filth that no soap could wash away. The sound of the family's laughter and the clinking of bangles from downstairs felt like needles stabbing at her ego.

Bindhu's fingers trembled as she scrolled through her phone. She had spent the last hour digging through old contacts and social media threads until she found what she was looking for: the contact details for the family of the man Ananya was supposed to marry-Hari Narayan, the son of the powerful MLA.

She dialed the number, her heart hammering against her ribs.

Inside the dark, cramped cell of the Jail, a small, secret burner phone vibrated. Hari Narayan, his face unshaven and his eyes bloodshot with rage, grabbed it. Beside him, his father, the MLA, watched with a cold, expectant silence.

"Evaru?" (Who is this?) Hari hissed into the phone, his voice a jagged edge of frustration.

On the other end, in the quiet, flower-scented hallway of the Ramineni mansion, Bindhu gripped her phone so hard her knuckles turned white.

"Introduction tharvatha... First vishayaniki vasthanu," (Introductions later... first I'll get to the point,) Bindhu disguised her voice, making it a low, sharp whisper. "I know how you can get Ananya. And I know you want to see Vikram Ramineni crawl on his knees."

Hari Narayan let out a dry, mocking laugh. "Nenu jail lo unnanu. Naa meedha DCP kannu eppudu untundhi. Why should I trust a voice I don't know?"

"Because I'm inside the house. I see them every second. I can give you the 'key' to the mansion. Vikram Bava is so busy with the double wedding security that he's left the back garden gate for the 'extra' staff. That is your entry."

Hari Narayan's eyes flickered with a lethal light. He looked at the bars of his cell. "What do you want? No one helps for free."

Bindhu: "Take Ananya. Teach her a lesson she'll never forget. But... Vikram Bava ni em cheyoddhu. (Don't do anything to Vikram Bava.) Not a single scratch on him. I want him to realize he picked the wrong woman, but I want him safe."

Hari Narayan looked over at the visitor's area where Ranga was standing, pretending to be a lawyer. He gave a subtle nod.

"Sare... deal. My man Ranga will call you. He'll be there."

"Good," Hari replied, his voice turning into a chilling whisper. Bindhu hung up, her heart thumping like a drum.

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Hey cuties! Chapter ela undhi? Are you guys excited for the next chapter?