Kashvi knocked softly on the door of Ved's office.
Ved didn't even look up from the files on his desk. In a cold, indifferent voice, he said,
"Come in. If you've brought the files, put them on the table and leave."
Kashvi swallowed hard.
"V-Ved… it's me."
Ved finally lifted his gaze. A sarcastic smile curved his lips as his eyes fell on her.
"You?" he scoffed.
"I was already tolerating you at home, and now you've followed me to the office too?"
He leaned back in his chair.
"What exactly do you want, Kashvi? I hate even the sight of your face—and yet you keep coming back to me."
Tears welled up in Kashvi's eyes, but she forced herself to stay calm.
"Dada ji sent lunch for you," she said quietly.
For a moment, Ved went silent. Then he laughed bitterly.
"Dada ji?"
His tone hardened.
"Don't bring Dadu into this. I know very well why you've come here."
He stood up slowly.
"I don't know what kind of spell you've cast on my grandfather. First, you forced him to get me married to you—and now he's sending you with me for dinner."
"If you didn't want to go," Kashvi said softly, gathering courage,
"then why did you say yes? You could have refused, couldn't you?"
That was it.
Ved's expression darkened. He walked toward her—slow, dangerous. Kashvi stepped back instinctively, fear gripping her. Step by step, she retreated until her back nearly hit the wall.
Just before she could collide with it, Ved slammed his hand against the wall beside her head, trapping her between his arm and the wall.
For two long minutes, he stared at her—cold, unreadable.
Then, without a word, he snatched the lunch box from her hands and stepped away.
Ved opened it calmly.
He looked at Kashvi once.
And then—without hesitation—emptied the entire food into the dustbin.
"Now get out," he said coldly.
"Be ready at seven. Even one minute late—and forget that I'll take you anywhere."
His eyes burned with warning.
"And don't you dare tell Dadu that I threw the food away."
Kashvi said nothing.
She turned and walked out of the office, holding back her tears until she reached the car. The moment she sat down, her tears spilled freely—but silently.
Back home, Ved's grandfather noticed her pale face.
"What happened, beta? You look worried," he asked gently.
"N-no, Dada ji," Kashvi replied quickly.
"I'm just tired. I'll go rest for a while. It's almost seven—Ved will be here soon."
With that, she hurried to her room.
The moment she locked the door, she collapsed onto the bed, sobbing uncontrollably.
"Why me?" she cried softly.
"What did I do to deserve this? Why has my life turned into hell?"
After some time, she wiped her tears and slowly stood up.
She began to get ready.
This sindoor… this adornment…
I never imagined I'd wear it for a man who hates even the sight of me.
Lost in her thoughts, Kashvi finished getting dressed.
She wore a red saree, jasmine flowers woven into her hair. She looked breathtaking.
But her eyes were empty.
"What's the use of such beauty," she whispered to herself,
"when your own husband despises you?"
The sound of a car pulling in made her heart race.
Trembling, Kashvi walked downstairs. Ved had just stepped out of the driver's seat.
The moment his eyes fell on her—he froze.
So beautiful…
His heart faltered for a split second.
No. I belong only to Anvi.
He masked his emotions and walked toward her, opening the car door for her.
Kashvi paused, surprised.
Why is he suddenly being so… gentle?
Confused, she sat inside the car. Soon, they were on their way to the restaurant.
Inside the restaurant, Kashvi noticed something strange.
The place was completely empty.
Soft lights, elegant décor, and a strangely peaceful vibe filled the air.
"Why is it so empty?" she asked hesitantly.
"I booked the entire restaurant," Ved replied coldly.
"So there's no disturbance."
He pulled the chair out for her.
Kashvi sat down, her confusion growing.
Why is he suddenly acting so different?
And then—
The restaurant doors opened.
Anvi walked in.
To be continued...