A/N :-  This chapter contains some Sexual Assault scenes

But then, the girl's hoarse voice spoke, sending shivers down my spine. "I am fine and alive." Her gaze swept me from head to toe, despite her injuries, she still exuded an aura of intimidation. She snorted, then chuckled, and I wondered if she was losing her mind.

"Why did they beat you?" I quired, my confidence surprising me. Maybe it was because I was facing death, and I had nothing to lose.

Her eyes seemed to bore into my soul, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"Want to run, girl?" she smirked, her audacity astonishing me. Despite being beaten and battered, she still exuded a sense of defiance.

"What if I say yes?" I tried testing her level of sanity.

She smirked again, her eyes glinting with a hint of madness. "Just do one thing for me, and you'll be free forever!" she offered, her voice laced with conviction.

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. Was she delusional? But then I thought, what's the harm in trying? The worst had already happened.

"So, what is it?" I furrowed my brows together. Her smile remained fixed, unwavering.

"Tell them you're ready to serve," she instructed, her voice low and conspiratorial. "Julia will send you to a hotel room. There'll be a man waiting for you. Seduce him, and wait for my arrival."

"Are you for real? Why would I risk my life like that? If I get caught, I'll end up like you or worse, they'll kill me!" Fear gripped my heart,  the desire to live overpowered me.

"So, do you want to live in a place like this, where you die every day?" she pulled the right strings , her words pierced my soul. Terror seized my chest, and all my deepest fears swirled in my mind. I took a deep breath, and her words resonated within me. I couldn't live like this; it was better to die once than suffer every day.

"Even if there's a slim chance of survival, maybe I can make it," I thought, desperation fueling my determination. My inner self warned, "Are you sure she isn't digging your grave?" But I pushed aside my doubts. I didn't care if I died; no one would shed a tear for me anyway. For this last time, I would believe in humanity.

"Okay, I'll try," I muttered, resolve in my voice. "But how will I tell you if I complete the task?"

I cautiously moved closer to her and noticed a small hook attached to the strap of her bra, visible through her taut clothes. "Take that hook! It's a microphone! It will help you!" she instructed.

I carefully pulled out the hook and began to follow her instructions. "You're sure, right? That you'll be able to save me?" I asked, my voice trembling with desperation. All my dreams would be shattered if I got trapped in this nightmare.

For a moment, I saw a sympathetic look in her eyes. She wasn't much older than me, but her demeanor exuded a maturity that came from experiencing hardships. It's doesn't look it was her first time facing a situation like this.

"Don't worry, I will save you!" she whispered, offering a small, genuine smile. Her smile was a beacon of hope, and I believed in her. In that moment, I trusted her with my life.

Her words came true. Aunt Julia took me to a room, where her minions awaited. They subjected me to a humiliating ordeal, touching and probing my body under the guise of preparation. The girls dressed me in the most revealing outfit I had ever worn - an off-shoulder, curve-hugging dress with a cut-out on my abdomen and a long slit from my legs to hips. The dress barely covered my body, making me feel vulnerable and exposed.

A blindfold covered my eyes, and I was pushed into a car. The journey felt like an eternity. Finally, I was dragged out and thrown onto a soft, velvety surface. I realized I was in the hotel room.

A lump formed in my throat as I contemplated the horrors that could await me. I quickly activated the microphone hidden in my hair, pressing the button in a desperate bid for help. The device was my only hope, my sole connection to the mysterious girl who had promised to save me.

"A true masterpiece of nature!" a sultry voice whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my spine. I felt like scalding hot lava had been poured into my ears. A strong hand gripped my shoulders, and goosebumps coursed through my body. I was repulsed, thinking that this man was about to violate me.

I prayed fervently for the mysterious woman's arrival, my only hope in this desperate situation. But as the man's hands roamed my body, I felt a wave of disgust wash over me. His fingers pinched the exposed skin on my torso, and I winced in pain. He just laughed, his breath hot against my skin.

"Please don't!" I begged, trying to push him away, but it was futile. My eyes were blindfolded, and my hands were tied. I felt his hand on my thighs, slowly moving upward. Tears streamed down my cheeks as my whole life flashed before my eyes.

"Please! I beg you!" I pleaded with the man, but he just sneered.

"Oh, my sweetheart, soon you'll be begging me for more of this." His vile words made me hate myself, and I felt like I was losing all hope.

Regret washed over me as I felt the man's hands violating my body. "I shouldn't have come here," I thought, tears welling up in my eyes. "It's all my fault. Everyone was right." I berated myself for trusting the mysterious woman and Aunt Julia.

But then, a loud "Bang!" echoed through the room. A glimmer of hope sparked in my heart. Maybe, just maybe, the girl hadn't lied.

The man's terrified voice reached me, and I felt a small sense of comfort hearing fear in his tone. "You! How did you get here?"

The girl's melodic voice responded, her words dripping with sweetness. "Oh, my dear, didn't you think I'd catch you here?"

More tears gathered in my eyes as I realized I was going to be saved. The girl's voice was like a balm to my soul.

"Matteo, take him to our special room," she commanded, her voice firm and authoritative.

I felt a sense of relief wash over me as the man's grip on me loosened, and he was dragged away. I was going to be okay. The girl had come for me, just as she promised.

I felt a warm, comforting cloth wrap around my body, and gentle hands untied my wrists and removed my blindfold. As my vision cleared, I saw the girl from the attic standing before me, her eyes filled with kindness. I burst into tears, overwhelmed with gratitude, and hugged her tightly.

"Thank you! Thank you for coming!" I sobbed, trying to catch my breath in her embrace. She hugged me back, her hands stroking my body in a soothing motion.

But then, the ringing of my phone pierced the air, shattering the tranquility. I glanced at it, disoriented, and realized I had dozed off.

I glanced at the clock and gasped - it was already 8! I was running late. The incessant ringing of my phone brought back the memories of that fateful night, and I felt a wave of disgust wash over me. I decided to head back to my apartment, trying to shake off the lingering fear.

I opted to return to the sanctuary of my apartment.

As my black BMW approached the entrance, the watchmen sprang into action, recognizing the vehicle and promptly opening the imposing iron gates. The gates swung apart, revealing the majestic façade of my apartment building, its towering structure exuding luxury and refinement.

I stepped out of the car and entered the building, the soft glow of the lobby lights enveloping me in warmth. I made my way to my apartment, the doors sliding open with a soft whisper. As I stepped inside, I was enveloped in the lavish décor that reflected my personal style, the opulent furnishings and carefully curated artwork a testament to my refined tastes. The familiar scent of my apartment, a subtle blend of leather and vanilla, wrapped around me, offering a sense of comfort and security.

I swiftly retreated to the privacy of my bedroom, seeking a brief respite from the turmoil. A quick shower and a change into a fresh outfit revitalized me, and I set out for Randhawa Palace.

As I arrived at the palace entrance, the guards halted me, their scrutinizing gaze a familiar ritual. I lowered my window, and they inquired about my identity. Just then, the sound of another car's horn pierced the air, and I turned to see Janav emerging from a sleek, red Bentley.

"Open the gate, she's a guest!" he instructed the guard, his authoritative tone brooking no argument. The guard nodded, and Janav gestured for me to proceed. I obliged, my car gliding forward as his Bentley followed closely behind, its engine purring smoothly. The gates swung open, and we entered the palace grounds.

The palace unfolded before me like a tapestry of time, its centuries-old structure seamlessly merged with modern architecture, yet still radiating the majestic essence of its storied past. The venerable halls, with their weathered stone and ornate carvings, seemed to whisper tales of generations gone by, their legacy palpable in the air.

As I entered, my gaze swept across the opulent space, taking in the elegant gathering of women seated in the grand salon. Amidst their refined faces, I found the familiar one– Ava di.

"Riva!! Finally! I thought I'd have to wait an eternity," Ava di exclaimed, her voice dripping with drama. She let out a theatrical sigh, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Hey, that's my work – saving the day – you shouldn't be so dramatic," I teased, and the room erupted in laughter.

"Oh, so you're Riva di?" another girl asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement, as she sat beside Ava di.

"Ahh, Riva!" the group chimed in, their laughter and playful banter making me feel like I was the only one missing out on a private joke.

"Is there something funny about my name?" I asked, feeling a bit perplexed.

Ava di winked at me mischievously. "Janav had to capture you after your fight with Vidharth." My eyes widened in surprise – what was she talking about?

Wait, what? I felt a sudden pang of regret for coming here. But before I could process anything, Ava di began introducing me to the others, including Vidharth's parents, who welcomed me with warm smiles.

I was swept up in a whirlwind of names, faces, and conversations.

I couldn't resist asking Vidharth's mother a question that had been on my mind. "Aunty, you're so sweet and kind, how did you give birth to a langoor?" I questioned.

Her eyes widened in shock, and the room fell silent for a moment before erupting into a chorus of chuckles and snickers. "I'm also confused how..." she trailed off, laughing.

Just then, Adwait jiju's voice boomed from the stairs, "Riva!! What a pleasant surprise!" He descended the stairs with Vidharth, aka the langoor, by his side.

Ava di teased, "Oh, Mr. Kankhajura is here, and Miss Chilli Flake too!" Vritika looked puzzled, "Who is this Kankhajura and Chilli Flake?" Ava di playfully pointed at me and Vidharth, "He and she!"

Janav joined in, "What lovely names!" I felt my face heat up with embarrassment. Did Ava di invite me here just to roast me? I wondered, feeling a bit perplexed.

"Okay, enough! Let's have dinner," Mr. Abhyant Randhawa intervened, bringing the lively banter to a halt. The dining table was filled with the sounds of gossip and chatter, creating a warm and convivial atmosphere. The dinner was a delight, with the playful banter between Ariv and Vritika adding to the merriment.

I skillfully avoided the "Kankhajura" (Vidharth) for most of the evening, not wanting to engage with him and risk losing my appetite. As the night wore on, it was past midnight when I bid farewell to everyone and prepared to leave. Ava di and Jiju insisted that I stay, given the late hour, but I politely declined, citing my busy schedule.

As I drove away, my car suddenly sputtered and came to a halt. My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a surge of anxiety. The deserted road stretched out before me, eerily quiet and devoid of any human presence. I would have preferred to avoid this isolated spot, especially at this late hour, when the risk of encountering a drunken stranger was high. The darkness seemed to close in around me, and I wondered what to do next.

I stepped out of the warmth of my car and into the biting cold, the wind tearing through my clothes like a razor.
I checked the car and groaned in frustration - the battery was dead. How was I supposed to get home now?

I decided to call Caleb for a pickup, but before I could dial, a sleek black Porsche pulled up in front of me, making my heart skip a beat. The window rolled down, and I exhaled the breath I'd been holding for what felt like an eternity.

"Are you okay?" Vidharth asked, his eyes scanning me and then my car, a hint of concern etched on his face.

I hesitated, still wary of him. "Uhmm... this car is broken," I responded, trying to sound nonchalant despite the awkwardness.

"Come on! I'll give you a lift!" Vidharth offered, his tone friendly and reassuring. I rationalized that he must be a good person, being Adwait jiju's friend and all. Plus, we were business associates, and he wouldn't want anything to happen to me, lest the project suffer.

But I still hesitated, unsure of accepting help from someone I didn't fully trust. Vidharth noticed my reluctance and urged, "What are you waiting for? Hop in, I'll drop you home."

I countered, "No need to trouble you, I've already called someone to pick me up."

Vidharth raised an eyebrow. "So you'll wait here until they arrive? Do you have any idea how long that'll take? It's already 1 a.m.! It's not safe, and we have a meeting tomorrow, remember?"

I weighed the pros and cons, considering the risks of waiting alone in a secluded spot versus accepting a ride from Vidharth. Finally, I decided to accept his offer, reasoning that it was better to get a lift from him than wait alone in the darkness.

As I settled into Vidharth's car, I was enveloped in warmth, a stark contrast to the chilly atmosphere outside. The subtle scent of cedar and sandalwood filled the air, a fragrance that seemed to belong to him. He always wore this same scent, and I thought it suited him well.

"So, where?" he asked, and I provided my address. By the time we reached my apartment, it was already late.

"Good night, and thank you!" I spoke , exiting the car.

"No problem, Miss Chilli Flake," he teased with a smirk, visible in the soft glow of the street lights. "I hope you'll find a better name than Kankhajura!"

I playfully mocked, "No! It suits you, Mr. Kankhajura!"

He chuckled and drove off, leaving me wondering if he was actually tired or just choosing not to engage in our usual banter. I shrugged, relieved that the night had ended without any further confrontation, and headed into my apartment, ready to call it a day.