Chapter : 45 ; The Return of Vanshika
Finally, it was the cool breeze that night, carrying Animesh home. His black sedan smoothly rolled in through the shining driveway, curving its way through the sprawling acres of his mansion. The sun was long gone beyond the horizon line and had colored the landscape purple-orange. The tranquil peace of this residence, maintained by its inaccessibility to the hustle-bustle of the city, had the only noise being its occupant's thoughts.
Vanshika sat quietly beside him, her half-lidded eyes as if the weight of the recent happenings had drained her. Hardly did she speak in the car while getting here. The guards, who had been the reason for her molestation; had become a non-issue now, but the shadows of that ordeal still hung heavy between them. Animesh knew she was fighting some silent storm inside, and the silence in the car screamed it.
The moment the car drew to a stop in front of the house, he looked at her softness glazing over in his gaze. "We're home," he muttered.
Vanshika stared back into his eyes, heavy with fatigue. "I... I didn't mean for any of this to happen."
Animesh leaned over and laid a comforting hand on hers. "It wasn't your fault, Vanshika," he said firmly yet soothingly. "You became a victim of something too powerful."
The man-sized pause repeated what was not said. The security detail that had been following them at a discreet distance fell back to give them their privacy. He opened the door and extended his hand to help her out of the car.
She stepped back, then took his hand as he led her toward the front entrance of the mansion. Inside, at the entrance of the mansion, stood Animesh's mother, Sarita Devi, her face a mask of concern and relief.
"Animesh, Vanshika," Sarita greeted them warmly but with a hint of worry in her eyes. "You're back. Thank goodness. I was so worried. As early as she already knows that she came to Animesh yesterday, she also knows about the incident that happened with Vanshika, even though she has retired from politics, she still has connections."
She forced her lips to curve into a faint, incomplete smile. "I'm so sorry, Aunty, for causing all this inconvenience."
Sarita shook her head. Her voice rained warmth as she spoke, "Don't be sorry, child; whatever happened was beyond your control. Now you need to sleep."
Animesh nodded only to his mother and turned towards Vanshika. "Let her get settled down," he said, while the soft urgency in his voice spoke volumes about what was in his heart. "Don't overexert yourself, and we need to make sure you are okay."
Vanshika nodded silently and followed him upstairs. Down the corridor, she felt the high ceiling, ornate decoration, and the feeling of overindulgence that seemed to surround her. The house was big and grand, yet so empty—similar to the emptiness inside her.
They finally came to a stop in front of a living room: large and dimly lit in warm neutrals. "This is where you shall be staying for now," Animesh told her as he ushered her inside.
Vanshika shook her head at the door. "I... I am not going to be a burden upon them."
"You are not a burden," he returned reassuringly. "You really need to rest while we sort this out."
He walked over to the bed and pulled the covers back slightly. "I'll have someone bring food in a little while. If you need anything, just let me know."
Having spent so much on record and probably going through more than a commoner would endure, heavy legs walked into the room with emotional weight to the edge of the bed as she folded her hands in her lap. With four walls enclosing around her, covering all sides, a shield to protect her from outside evils, here—in the house of Animesh—she felt safe.
Before Animesh could leave, she spoke; her voice was soft, laced with quiet intensity. "Animesh, I never wanted to be a distraction. I never meant for any of this to happen. But now, now I see just how dangerous it's getting."
Animesh turned to her; his face had composed itself, though a flicker betrayed him in his eyes. "It's not your fault, Vanshika," he repeated, moving closer. "The ones behind all this—they've got an agenda. But you don't need to worry about it anymore. I'll sort it out."
Vanshika looked at him, searching. "But what if... what if they come after me again?"
Animesh crouched down to her level, looking her directly in the eyes. "I won't let them. You're safe here, with me. As long as you're under my roof, I'll make sure nothing happens to you."
She met his gaze, her own eyes filled with uncertainty but also gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Animesh got up and laid a hand on her shoulder. "Sleep now, and we will sort out everything in the morning. I promise you, things shall get better."
Vanshika nodded, skepticism not wholly lost. She was less convinced by the words, but a small spark of hope seemed to finally ignite within her for the first time in what felt like an eternity.
"Animesh...! Can you sleep with me today?" Just as Animesh was about to shut the door and leave, he heard Vanshika's words. For a moment, he thought, then locked the door from the inside and lay beside her.
Animesh also knew that Vanshika was afraid of what had happened that day, so he decided to stay with her. He had many ambitions to complete. However, if he were only a politician, this would be possible only if he gave up politics. But if he left, the country would not achieve its true potential according to his vision.
So, he had to remain in power until 2010, to lay the foundation for a strong country in many other fields.
"Vanshika... is there something bothering you?"
While laying beside her, he pulled her toward himself as she placed her head on his chest.
"Animesh...!" She said weakly.
"What... Vanshi...?" Animesh was confused, but he still replied intimately.
"Am I really worthy of you? It seems I am too weak for politics. I didn't even have the guts to refuse. I didn't even have the courage to say that I am your lover to them. I didn't even have the confidence to address the matter, while I was being scared by them."
Vanshika said, wiping a tear from her eyes.
"Fool... not to mention you... even a normal police officer, even those in the IPS, would be afraid of them. They are the special forces of our country who protect VIPs and parliament. So, don't worry about it. However, answer me one thing—did anyone bully you there?" Animesh asked, stroking her hair.
"No... but a middle-aged woman came, and she wasn't very kind to me... as if I was holding a grudge against her."
After listening to Vanshika, Animesh's eyes narrowed. He hadn't expected Rajni to be involved at such a deep level. Looks like he'd have to take action, but this wasn't the time.
"Okay... you don't need to be involved in politics. You're just a strong, independent woman to the world. But remember, you need to be like a little wife when we are together." As Animesh said this, he released her from his arms while pulling her close to his face. Before she could react, Animesh kissed her softly.
---
The next morning, after Vanshika slept well, Sarita, Animesh's mother, prepared her a light breakfast so that she would feel part of the family and taken care of. Still tired, Vanshika sat amidst the family at the table, listening silently.
At dinner, little was said about all that had happened during the past days. Animesh, however, continued to watch her so that she wouldn't overexert herself.
Later, over breakfast, he beckoned to Mahesh. "Increase security on the estate. I have a suspicion about Rajni and Manohar. One never knows—they may try again," said Animesh with conviction.
Mahesh nodded. "Understood, sir. I'll see to it immediately."
"When is the meeting with the minister of the country?" Animesh asked Mahesh.
.
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(Although this is not a romance novel, but i really wanted to add in...and without the romance...it will be boring....!)
"C'mon guys..... support me....!"