You cried on that sofa like the world had ended, voice trembling as you begged, “Mom told me to meet you... please do something...”

Your fear didn’t surprise me. You should be scared. You ran from me. Lied to me. You sit there, thinking someone will save you.

Jaya and Brijesh sat frozen. You were sold to them by your damn parents but guess you didn't know that. You were naive and innocent. Then you turned—and saw me and gasp. I was calm. Laptop on my knee, voice smooth as steel. “Yeah, I got your email. The next venture starts in July. Send me the copies, I’ll sign.” That’s the difference between you and me. You panic. I plan. You run. I own the ground you run on.nI closed the laptop, rested it on the table, and looked at you. “You did wrong.”

My tone didn’t rise. It didn’t need to. You froze, as I leaned back casually on the sofa like I wasn’t the storm tearing your world apart.

Then I spoke again, voice sharper, heavier. “You said you wanted to grab some stuffs from your hostel But what are you doing here? I was waiting for you outside”

Your lips quivered. You whispered something. I almost laughed. “You should thank me for saving you from your parents who were ready to sell you to these people” I said, my gaze slicing through you. You looked hurt. It hurts me to see you like this but you needed to know your parents never loved you. You looked like how you used to when we were a kids. When you used clinge onto me like i was the only one who mattered. I missed that. I missed the old you. I stared. Blank. Cold. Silent. Because if I spoke then, I might’ve shattered the room in half.

Finally, you whispered, “Just let me go... you can’t decide my fate...”

I tilted my head slowly narrowing my eye's, my voice low and lethal filled with jealousy: “What is your fate? That curly-haired boy?”

You froze. But then gulped speaking. “Yes. I love him. I want to marry him.”

I closed my eyes. i knew you were lying. I Pinched the bridge of my nose. Not because I was tired—because I was deciding whether to burn down your world or make you mine before the fire spread. My voice was quiet when I spoke “Alright then...You may leave.”

You blinked for a while shocked but slowly believed me. You actually believed I’d let you walk out of my life. You slowly turned. Took one step toward freedom. And then my voice cut through the silence like a blade: “Burn the whole Mathur family. This is my final verdict.”

You spun back, horror flooding your face. You ran toward “What? Agastya, please!”

I stood. Phone in hand. My eyes locked on yours, calm but merciless. “Don’t do this... my family didn’t do a crime to get death penalty...”

I laughed—cold, humorless but it didn't reach my eyes. “Really? Your mom was planning to shake hands with my biggest enemy and sell you off in exchange and you call that nothing? And you stupid idiot helped her by coming here. By lying to me!!! Do you have any fucking idea what would have happened if i didn't come here on time??”

You stammered denial after denial, tears streaming, voice breaking. But when you said, “I just tried to save myself from you,” My eyes narrowed.

Those words gutted me. Because for all my power, all my sins, I never wanted to be your monster. I wanted to be your protector like how i used to be. You wouldn't stop clinging on to me as kids. But now! You see me as the threat? After all the damn sacrifices. Fine.

I walked to you slowly, each step heavy with a promise you’ll never forget. “Let’s see how you save yourself for the rest of your life.”

You gasped. I didn’t let go. My voice dropped, a whisper laced with venom and love. I've never behaved this way with you. You were my precious. You are my life. “Now you’ll see what kind of man I am When angered.”

I was angry—hurt. What would have happened if i didn't come here on time. I pulled out my phone, pressed a number, and spoke like a king passing judgment: “Dad. Prepare the altar. I’m marrying in an hour.”