“Yes.” Her voice came out in a whisper.
He stopped in front of her, and placed his arms on either side of her on the wall, caging her in. She raised her head and kept her eyes locked to his as her breathing turned uneven.
Her body jolted in surprise when she felt his fingertips graze the skin on her midriff.
“You need to stop fidgeting every time I touch you.” His breath threatened to burn her skin, and his fingertips left a trail of goosebumps. She also felt her nipples pebble as an involuntary response.
“I’ll be fine,” she said with a slight tremble in her voice.
“You are jumpy right now. That’s not very convincing.” He spoke in a deep, seductive tone.
She wanted to say something, but her voice got caught in her throat when he pulled her off the wall, and turned her to push her against it. Before she could process anything, she felt him tug on the stuck zipper on the back of her blouse, ultimately parting it completely.
She remained frozen, trying not to show any reaction. There was nothing supporting the blouse now. All he had to do was to push it off her shoulders, and she would be left completely naked from above the waist.
“The zip was stuck,” his warm breath murmured in her ear. She felt a hot and wet trail left behind by his tongue on her ear. His tongue teased her skin, tantalizing her entirely. She bit down on her lower lip to suppress a moan that was threatening to escape. Her breathing got heavier as he continued tracing the tip of his tongue down to the nape of her neck.
Remember, he's a monster!
But you know why he does some of these things…
Are you crazy? He forced you to marry him!
She clenched her teeth, refusing to give in, although all she wanted to do was turn around to pull his lips to hers. She gathered up all the willpower she could muster, not to give in to her natural urges. But still her breath came out in a hiss as he nuzzled the sensitive skin on the back of her neck, and then continued lower.
“Abhay… ” His name rolled off her lips for the first time as she addressed him directly. “We’re running late to the temple,” she managed to say in a steady tone.
His lips froze, and then he let go of her waist. He pulled the ends of the blouse together and zipped it smoothly before stepping away from her. She felt a keen loss of his warm touch. Her knees had turned to mush, but she turned and looked at him.
His eyes were blazing hot and he ran his eyes over her.
“Fifteen minutes.” He stated curtly, before striding out of the bedroom.
Ten minutes later, she sat next to him in the back seat of his SUV on their way to the temple. She felt the awareness and lingering sexual tension within the car.
She looked out of the window, trying to ignore his presence, remembering the last time she had been in the car with him. At that time, she had wanted to jump out of the running car to escape, but stayed put, only for her family’s safety.
However, at the moment, his proximity stirred something within her, something she wasn’t prepared for. She felt confused. A part of her mind was trying to rationalize the violence. Everyone had said that in order to protect what was rightfully theirs, they had to resort to violence. In the civilized world, violence was never justified even if it was to protect.
This is not the usual civilized world. People make and follow their own laws. So maybe it is justified.
She shook her head to get rid of such thoughts. She couldn’t help but notice that the entire household, and seemingly the entire region, respected him and treated his wish as their command. He was more or less their ruler.
But what made an educated man like him to turn into a brutal ruler?
“How is the setup of the clinic going on?” he asked, making her jump at his sudden voice.
She turned towards him, expecting him to be annoyed by her jumpiness. But he had an impassive look on his face.
She cleared her throat that seemed to always get stuck in his presence.
“I need more medications. I also need access to a computer with a video set up so I can get the people treated by doctors online—doctors with specializations.
He watched her closely as though to check her sincerity in wanting to help his people. He knew that his people hated Prajapatis and also the other way around.
“I’ll have a computer ordered for the clinic,” he said. Then there was a glint. “You want me to order one for your personal use too? Or are you happy breaking into mine each day?” he asked.
She was stunned because she had made sure he had not seen her using his computer.
“I--I was getting bored and I needed something to do.” She was embarrassed, and it didn't help that his eyes continued to watch her in mild amusement.
“You can use mine. But it would be easier if you had your own computer.”
“Thank you.”
There was more silence, making her hyperaware of him.
Her cheeks heated as she recalled the feel of his lips and hot breath on her bare back, an hour ago.
A part of her, had desperately wanted her to turn at that time, to know how those soft but firm lips would feel on her bare midriff, and also to know how they would feel as they moved higher.
She rubbed her arms conspicuously to get rid of the goosebumps that appeared on her skin. She had to make an effort to sit still and not gravitate towards him within the car.
She sighed internally in relief when they reached a visibly crowded temple.
CHAPTER 22
Anika spent the next couple of hours performing several rituals during the ceremony. She felt a lot of eyes on her.
The Singhams were probably assessing if she was a worthy bride. Strangely, instead of being offended, she was more understanding of their attitude.
Abhay sat next to her but they didn’t talk to each other. They followed the instructions of the head priest. Each time, their hands brushed, or he touched her lightly as a part of some ritual or the other, she felt a zing pass through her, reminding her of the moments they had spent before leaving for the temple.
“Please stand up and take the blessings of the gods,” the priest instructed, concluding the ceremony.
She wasn't a religious person but her mother was. Since her childhood, her mother made it a point to take Myra and her to the temple every month. More than the actual praying, she enjoyed the aura and the peacefulness she found there.
She missed her mom and sister. Even though she had not lived in her childhood home since she was eighteen, they had always been close and spoke regularly.
People at the temple began to clear out. She waited quietly as Abhay spoke to some people. She noticed how they took in his words and instructions without any arguments. She knew they trusted him. They trusted him not only with their lives, but also with their family's lives. Being a doctor herself, she understood how much strain that kind of responsibility would add on a person.
Abhay finished talking and began to head back. When he saw her waiting at the entrance of the temple, a surprised look passed on his face.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Yes."
He held her elbow and led them to the car. She slid into the backseat, next to Abhay and stared out of the window.
“What's wrong?” he asked as though sensing her mood.
“Nothing,” she replied. “Just missing my parents and sister.”
There was silence.
“They can visit you anytime. Just let me know a few days before so there is adequate security.”
Shocked by his offer, she stared at him. “Thank you,” she whispered.
He gave a nod before going back to checking something on his phone.
A few minutes later, they drove into what appeared to be a hospital. There were parked ambulances in front of the building.
The car stopped by the main entrance with a flight of marble steps.
“Come.” She heard Abhay’s soft command and watched him as he got out of the car. Curious, she followed him.
They passed through the security guards, and the polished corridors as Abhay walked with purpose towards the back of the building. He stopped in front of a room and opened the lock. It was storage of some kind, filled with boxes.
“I couldn’t find anyone to set up a proper pharmacy within the hospital,” he said, looking at her with a closed-off expression. “Pick up whatever you need from here. If there is something else, make a list, and I’ll have someone bring it to you.”
She nodded. Over the next few minutes, she picked out a few items of everything she needed to help the people with their minor illnesses.
“I’m done,” she said, after filling an empty box with what she needed.
He was waiting silently, seemingly angry and upset about something. She knew that was his usual state of mind, but something about the way he stood, scanning the boxes, made her think there was more frustration involved.
“Was this a running hospital before?” she asked.
He was quiet, and then looking at her hands while she held a large box filled with medications, he answered her, “Yes. It was one of the best until a couple of decades ago.”
“What happened?” she asked softly.
“The feud started,” he replied. “None of the doctors or nurses wanted to stay where their families could be in danger.”
The way he said it, made her aware of his frustration and helplessness. It was strange, but she felt the need to comfort him.
He was the reason; her aunt was controlling her life. He could also be the possible reason for her to remain captive at this place for an unforeseeable future, but at that point, she somehow empathized with the man in front of her.
He wanted to end the violence. He wanted to see his people prosper. He spent days and most of his nights, trying to protect what was his from others who were bent upon destroying all the work he did for his people.
She took a deep breath tamping down the words that were trying to burst out of her mouth—about wanting to know more about him. “I have everything I need for now.”
Abhay nodded curtly and took the box from her hands. While they headed towards their car, Anika noticed that the hospital was still maintained well. There were no visible cobwebs or mold anywhere inside. She guessed there must have been people dedicated to cleaning and maintaining the place, in the hope it would thrive once again.
She stopped as her attention fell on a large painting of a familiar woman hanging about the exit doors.
“Is that your mother?” she asked. The image was of a simple, pretty woman with a bright, kind smile.
Abhay’s posture became rigid. “Yes, that’s my mother,” he replied, stopping in front of her with his back facing her to look at the picture.
The picture filled her with sadness. She knew that Arundhati Singham was adored and revered by each and everyone within the Singham Estate. She had heard so many tales about that woman she felt as though she knew her.
“She was beautiful—inside and out,” she said softly.
She heard him take a deep breath. She wasn’t sure if he was angry because he had warned her not to talk about his mother, or whether he was caught off balance by her statement.
“Yes. She was very beautiful,” he said quietly, his tone not giving anything away.
She was slowly beginning to understand more of this man who was her husband. She knew he was hurt and even sad remembering his mother, but he didn’t lash out at her like she had expected him to.
“Let’s go, it’s getting dark,” he said, continuing towards their car.
She sat next to him and briefly looked at him. His face was unreadable as always, and he simply stared ahead as the car moved.
The mixed feelings she had towards Abhay confused her. On one hand she knew she would somehow and eventually save her family from harm, but on the other hand she wasn't as excited as she thought she would be to go back to her old life in San Francisco.
Instead, she wanted to know more about the man who was her husband. Even though the circumstances in which they came together were less than ideal, she felt the need to explore more.
Was it just passion?
CHAPTER 23
Anika’s life fell into a pattern over the next week as she spent more time in the clinic. She continued to spend time on the computer during the day between her clinic appointments. During the evenings, after spending time at the library, she retired to the master bedroom.
She no longer pretended to be asleep in the mornings. In fact, she waited up for him to have dinner together. Apart from some minor conversation she made regarding the people and their medical needs, dinner was mostly silent.
They didn’t say a lot to each other, but something was building up between them, and each time he was next to her on the bed, she was intensely aware of his presence. Her body hummed when they accidentally touched, and whenever he got up in the morning and went away, she keenly felt his absence. Their suite felt empty and cold when he wasn’t around.
There were times when she was honestly afraid of him, especially when he came back with blood on his clothes. It still bothered her a lot, but when he showered and slid in next to her, she forgot everything.
He didn't make any move to touch her again. The last time he did was before they had gone to the temple.
She tried to convince herself that she wasn't disappointed. She should be happy that she knew he wouldn't touch her anymore.
But the disappointed hollowness in her stomach spoke the truth.
*****
Anika was having breakfast outside at the gardens. She was laughing at something Sonu and Meena were saying.
“You girls don’t have to go to school today?” she asked.
“No. It’s the beginning of our summer holidays!” Sonu said excitedly.
Lakshmi was rolling her eyes. “That means these little imps are going to attack the mango farm. The last time they ate so many mangoes, they suffered stomach aches for a few days.”
Meena grinned. “Pfft… it was nothing. We got back on the trees the day after, and we felt fine.”
Anika smiled. “Well, I have the medications handy this time. Just don’t forget to bring me some of those mangoes.”
“Definitely! I know which trees have the juiciest and sweetest ones, but please don’t tell Abhay about us going to the orchard.”
Anika was amused. “Why? He’ll ask you girls to bring him back some as well?”
Sonu grinned. “No. He’ll give us a talk about how it’s not safe climbing trees and all. I fell from a tree three years ago and broke my leg.”
Before Anika could say anything, she heard someone shout.
“Dr. Singham! Sitamma just collapsed! Please come quickly.”
Leaving the half-eaten breakfast, Anika rushed towards the prone woman. The woman’s face was graying, and she was clutching her chest.
“Keep her upright! She might be having a heart attack.” Anika turned towards Malini. “Please have a car readied. We cannot treat this at the clinic. I’ll have to go to the hospital.”
Malini nodded and left hurriedly. Meantime, Anika asked a few people to get a stretcher to take the patient to the car.
As soon as they reached the parking lot, Malini returned with a tense look. “We are trying to reach Abhay, but we are not able to connect with his phone.”
Anika frowned. “Why is that relevant right now? Have the car readied, and we can reach him later to let him know.”
Malini looked uncomfortable. “Anika, we all have strict instructions to contact him before we can take you anywhere outside the estate premises.”
Anika’s jaw hardened. “Well, that may be the case under normal circumstances, but this is an emergency.” She turned towards one of the men. “Get the car here. We are going to the Arundhati Hospital. That’s my order.”
Her heart beat faster as she spoke to them with a firm tone. She knew the people here were accustomed to authority, and right then, she needed to enforce it to save a l
ife.
The man only hesitated for a couple of seconds before he went towards a car.
Twenty minutes later, they reached the Arundhati Hospital. Dr. Rao was also waiting for her. A few hours after they administered proper medication and took necessary precautions, Sitamma seemed to stabilize.
“She still needs proper monitoring. We need to take her to the city,” said Anika.
Dr. Rao nodded. “I can go along with her and also take someone.”
“I can come along—”
“No. You can’t,” said another voice.
Abhay Singham stood at the hospital room doorway with a face like thunder.
Anika looked at Dr. Rao. “Please leave right now Dr. Rao and let me know how she is doing after reaching the city.”
Dr. Rao nodded and left with the patient, but before he walked out of the room, he threw her a concerned look.
Abhay began walking towards her slowly. “You disobeyed my order.”
Listening to the quiet statement, Anika felt a shiver run through her body.
“I didn’t disobey on purpose. We had an emer—”
“You even made my people disobey me.”
“They didn’t disobey you, Abhay,” she reasoned. “They were following my instructions.”
Instead of cooling him down, her statement made him even angrier. “You do not ever override my instructions.” He emphasized the word ever.
“But it was an emergen—”
Before she could finish, he closed the distance between them completely. “Do you understand?” he demanded with a scary quiet tone.
“I had to take a quick decision because—”
“Do you understand?” he snapped.
Anika was pissed. She was a doctor. She was trained to save lives, not compromise someone’s life because of a blind order.
“No!” she shouted.
His expression changed. He became even more menacing. And he also seemed to grow in size as he loomed on top of her.
“What did you just say?” he asked quietly.
“I said no!” When he continued to loom, she shoved him hard on his chest with both her hands. “I will not follow your orders blindly! I did what I had to do!”
Bound by Revenge (The Singham Bloodlines) Page 10