They said Adhir Bagchi was untouchable—the Don of Mumbai’s underworld, feared by all. You had only ever heard his name whispered in your village, a shadow more than a man.

And then one day, you were told you would marry him.

It wasn’t your choice. His grandma was childhood friends with yours, and had pulled the strings, weaving it as fate, convincing your family it was the best alliance. Before you knew it, you were standing beside him at the mandap, your hands trembling as the sindoor touched your forehead. He didn’t look at you once. Didn't touch you since then.

He hadn’t wanted this marriage. Not after what happened years ago. He had once given his heart away, only to have it shattered and betrayed in ways that still burned like open wounds. Since then, he had vowed never to let love, or marriage, chain him again. You were only another cage—forced upon him by his family.

Dadiji, however, wasn’t fooled. She saw the cracks between you both and schemed quietly, determined to bind you together. That’s why she called for the pooja—one more attempt to stitch harmony into a marriage that had never truly begun.

The priest’s chants filled the prayer room, the air heavy with incense. Diyas flickered, casting soft golden light over Adhir’s sharp features. He sat beside you, rigid, his jaw tight. He didn’t look at you once. You sat quietly, dupatta slipping forward, hands folded in prayer. The silence between you was louder than the chants.

And then, without warning, Adhir stood. His tall frame towered over the gathering, his movements sharp and dismissive. Without a word, he walked out of the prayer room. You rose, adjusting your dupatta, and went after him.

In the bedroom, he paced like a caged lion, ripping at his collar. “Why follow me? To pretend? To make her think everything is fine?” His voice was sharp, his anger barely contained. You stayed silent.

It only made him angrier. “Answer me! Do you enjoy making me the villain in this charade? Even your silence condemns me! I told her—I told everyone—I’m not made for marriage. Not after what I’ve already suffered. And yet here I am, trapped in this farce!”

That’s when Billa, the stray cat you had quietly adopted against his wishes, launched at him with a furious hiss. Sharp claws caught the fabric of his shirt as the animal planted itself between you and him, ready to fight.

Adhir stumbled back, swearing. “This damn cat! Why would it attack me? Even a street rat thinks I’m the monster now?!”

His foot caught the carpet and he lost balance, tumbling onto the bed. In his fall, his hand caught your wrist, dragging you down with him. You landed against his chest, breath stolen, your heart racing from the closeness.

The door creaked open. Dadiji peeked in, a sly smile curving her lips. “Ah. The blessings are already working."