The noise outside faded slowly, but Isha's heartbeat did not.
Security voices moved down the hallway. The broken sound of glass being cleaned echoed faintly. The world outside Arjun's office had turned tense and alert.
Inside, silence returned.
Isha realized she was still clutching his sleeve.
She immediately stepped back. "Sorry…"
Arjun didn't react to the apology. His attention remained on the door, listening, calculating.
A knock followed.
"Sir, the situation is under control," a security officer reported from outside. "A stone was thrown from the parking area. No injuries."
"Check the cameras," Arjun replied. "And increase security around this floor."
"Yes, sir."
Footsteps faded away.
Only then did Arjun turn to her.
"You are safe," he said.
Isha tried to steady her breathing. "This is… normal for you?"
"No."
"Then this marriage really is connected to danger."
He didn't deny it.
Instead, he picked up his coat and handed it to her.
"We're leaving."
"Leaving? Where?"
"Home."
The word sounded strange coming from him.The car ride was quiet.
Kavya watched the city lights pass by through the window. Everything had changed so quickly that her mind struggled to keep up.
Morning — she was a student with debt.
Afternoon — she signed a marriage contract.
Evening — she became the wife of one of the most powerful men in the city.
And now she was going to his house.
Her new house.
She glanced at Arjun. He was focused on work messages on his phone, calm as ever, as if chaos was simply part of his routine.
"How many people know the truth?" she asked softly.
"Very few."
"And your family?"
"They will know what is necessary."
That answer did not comfort her.
The car slowed and passed through large iron gates. A long driveway stretched ahead, lined with lights and tall trees. At the end stood a grand mansion, elegant and silent.
Isha stared.
"You live here… alone?"
"Yes."
The car stopped. A staff member opened the door respectfully.
"Welcomehome, sir."
The words made Kavya's chest tighten again.
Home.
She stepped out carefully. The night air was cool, but the place felt distant — like a world she didn't belong to.
Inside, everything was spotless and quiet. Marble floors. Soft lighting. A place built for order, not warmth.
Arjun spoke to the house manager briefly.
"Prepare the east wing. She will stay there."
Isha blinked. "We… don't share a room?"
"This is a contract marriage," he said simply. "You will be comfortable."
She didn't knowwhether to feel relieved or strangely disappointed by his calm distance.
Her room was large and beautifully prepared. New clothes were neatly arranged. A phone rested on the bedside table.She walked slowly inside, unsure what to touch.
A knock came at the door.
Arjun stood there.
"This connects directly to my office," he said, pointing to an intercom. "If anything happens, call me immediately."
"Even at night?"
"Yes."
There was a pause.
Kavya gathered her courage. "Why are you helping me this much?"
His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than usual.
"Because I made a promise," he said quietly."Five years ago?"
He didn't answer.
Instead, he turned to leave — but stopped.
"One more thing," he added. "Do not leave the house alone for now."
Her stomach dropped. "So I really am in danger."
"Until I confirm otherwise," he said.
And then he was gone.
Hours later, Isha could not sleep.
The room was too quiet. Too unfamiliar. Her mind replayed everything — the contract, the attack, the secretsShe walked to the window. The garden outside was calm under the moonlight.
Then she noticed something.
A shadow moving near the gate.
Her breath caught.
She leaned closer, trying to see clearly.
The figure stood still for a moment… then slowly looked up toward the house.
Toward her window.Isha stepped back instantly, heart racing. She rushed to the intercom with trembling hands.
Before she could press the button, a message appeared on the phone beside her.
Unknown number.
She hesitated… then opened it.
"A contract cannot protect you."
Her fingers went cold.
Another message arrived immediately.
"Leave him before it's too late."
A third message followed.
This one contained a photograph.
Isha gasped.
It was a picture of her standing at the window… taken just moments ago.
The phone nearly slipped from her hands.
Someone was watching her.
Inside the house.
A sudden knock sounded behind her door.
Slow.
Deliberate.
Isha's voice barely came out.
"…Who is it?"
A calm voice answered from the other side.
"It's me."
Arjun
But the phone in her hand lit up again.
"Do not open the door."
Isha stared at the handle, frozen between two choices.
Outside, Arjun knocked once more.
Inside, her phone vibrated again.
And she realized…
She no longer knew who she could trust.
Tobe continued.....