Waking up, I felt a surprising sense of peace, my head resting on Kannan's bare chest. It was the most restful sleep I had had in days, a welcome respite from the insomnia that had plagued me since arriving here. The warmth of his body and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat had lulled me into a deep, undisturbed slumber.As the first rays of the sun filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow across the room, I finally had the chance to see his face clearly. His features were relaxed in sleep, and in the gentle morning light, he looked almost serene, a stark contrast to the intense and commanding presence he exuded when awake.Without thinking, I found myself tracing my fingers along the lines of his face, exploring the contours and textures with a sense of quiet wonder. His skin was warm and smooth under my touch, and I marveled at the sharp angles of his jaw and the softness of his lips.In this moment of tranquility, I felt a strange connection to him, as if the barriers that had kept us apart were momentarily lifted. Despite the confusion and tension that marked our interactions, there was something undeniably captivating about kannan something that drew me to him in ways I couldn't fully understand.As I continued to gently trace my fingers over his face, I felt a surge of emotions—curiosity, tenderness, and a hint of something deeper, something that both excited and terrified me. For now, though, I allowed myself to savor the intimacy of the moment, knowing that the complexities of our relationship would soon reassert themselves.i can trace on his abs as long as my heart beats, I noticed something startling. His smooth skin was marred by numerous scars—long, jagged lines that looked like knife wounds and small, circular marks that could only be gunshot scars. Each mark told a story of violence and pain, a stark reminder of the dangerous life he must have led.What the heck did he do in his life? I wondered, my mind racing with questions. These were not the marks of someone who led an ordinary life. Each scar was a testament to battles fought and survived, hinting at a past filled with danger and conflict.The realization made me pause, my fingers lingering over one particularly deep scar. The juxtaposition of his calm, sleeping form and the violent history etched into his skin was jarring. It was a side of Kannan I hadn't considered, one that added layers of complexity to the enigmatic man who held me in his arms.As I started to withdraw my hand, Kannan's fingers suddenly wrapped around mine, stopping me in my tracks. Startled, I looked up to meet his gaze. His eyes, deep and intense, seemed to hold the power to drown me in their depths. There was a smirk playing on his lips, a blend of amusement and something darker."Enjoying yourself, princess?" he said, his voice a low, velvety murmur that sent shivers down my spine."I would rather want that precious hand stroking somewhere princess"he said smirking Caught off guard, I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. "I... I didn't mean to wake you," I stammered, trying to pull my hand away, but his grip tightened, holding me in place.i quickly hid my face in his bare chest not wanting him to see my tomato face.He chuckled softly, the sound resonating through the quiet room. "It's not every day someone gets so curious about my scars," he continued, his eyes never leaving mine. "They tell a story, you know. One that might be too dangerous for someone like you."Despite his teasing tone, there was an undercurrent of warning in his words. I swallowed hard, my heart racing as I tried to muster a response. "I was just... wondering," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.His smirk widened, and he finally released my hand, but not before brushing his thumb gently over my knuckles. "Well, wonder no more. Some things are better left as mysteries," he said, his tone softening just a fraction.be serious sara don't fall for his charm "I need my phone back " i said not looking his eyes that's dangerous stuff. Next moment he clenched my jaw forcing me to look in his eyes."Whatever you want look at me and speak" he stated in serious voice Angry bird is back!He and his bipolar personalities are hard to deal with."I need my phone back" calming myself staring at him, that i am not taking any excuses today. "Ok" he stated and left for shower.I need to fix this before history repeats, i looked at ceiling drifted in my thoughts. I can't fall for him. The thought echoed through my mind, a constant reminder of the vow I had made to myself. Memories of the past surged forward, vivid and painful, as if they had happened only yesterday. I could still see the heartbreak etched on my father's face, the sorrow in his eyes when my brother left us for a Hindu girl. Our father had only one request: that we honor our faith and not fall for someone of a different religion. "It's SIN"I could feel the weight of that promise pressing down on me, a heavy burden of familial duty and personal conviction. The idea of causing my father the same pain he had felt before was unbearable. I had to stay away from Kannan, no matter how intense the attraction or how compelling the pull between us.This newfound determination filled me with a sense of purpose, even as it warred with the undeniable feelings that had been growing since I first met Kannan. I couldn't let myself be swayed by his dark eyes, his enigmatic charm, or the undeniable chemistry that sparked between us.Standing up, I took a deep breath, trying to steel myself against the allure of Kannan's presence. I needed to focus on why I was here and what I stood to lose if I allowed myself to fall for him. For my father's sake, for the promise I had made to myself, I had to resist.I turned my back on the room, and on Kannan, and walked towards the window, looking out at the new day. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. I drew strength from the beauty of the morning, reminding myself that I had a duty to uphold, a family to honor.I steeled my resolve and whispered to myself, "I won't let this happen. I can't."I got ready and headed to the dining table for breakfast. As I entered the room, I noticed the servants bustling around, setting the table with an array of dishes. It struck me that the servants looked different from the ones I had seen the previous night; it seemed like they rotated shifts between morning and night duty.Despite the variety of food laid out, my appetite vanished the moment I realized there was no meat in sight. The spread was as lavish as always, with a tempting assortment of fruits, breads, and vegetarian dishes, but the absence of meat left me feeling deflated. It had been days since I'd had a proper meal with meat, and the craving was beginning to gnaw at me.Sitting down at the table, I tried to mask my disappointment, reminding myself of the role I was playing. Hari, the vegetarian. I needed to maintain this facade, no matter how difficult it was becoming. As the servants finished setting the table, I forced a smile and thanked them, my mind already drifting to thoughts of how I could sneak out to find a restaurant that served meat.I took a deep breath, trying to refocus my thoughts. Breakfast with Kannan loomed ahead, and I needed to be composed, not distracted by my dietary preferences. Just as I was about to pick up a piece of toast, Kannan entered the room, his presence commanding attention as always. He glanced at the table, then at me, his eyes narrowing slightly."Morning," he said, taking his seat opposite me. His casual yet confident demeanor only added to the tension I felt."Good morning," I replied, doing my best to sound cheerful. "I hope you slept well."He gave a slight nod, but his gaze seemed to scrutinize me, as if he could sense my discomfort. "Everything alright?" he asked, his tone seemingly casual, but with an underlying hint of curiosity."Yes, just... adjusting to the new routine," I replied, hoping he wouldn't probe further. The last thing I needed was more scrutiny about my behavior.After breakfast, Kannan left for work, and Arvalan followed him. Just as he was about to head out, he handed me my phone. Seizing the moment, I stopped him, hoping to appeal to his sense of pity or understanding."Arvalan, can I go outside to look around? I haven't been here in a decade, and I'd love to see how things have changed," I asked, trying to sound as earnest as possible.He paused, his expression unreadable. For a moment, I hoped he might relent, but then his face hardened."No, it's too dangerous," he said firmly. "Anna will take you out after a few days. He's busy right now."I felt a pang of disappointment but nodded, not wanting to push my luck further. "I understand," I said quietly, though inside I felt a mix of frustration and restlessness.i didn't ask kannan as i knew he would say no but i hoped from arvalan atleast, even he is same as his master. Going alone is dangerous. Suddenly idea clicked me there is someone who would heed my request it's none other than my mother in law! atleast i have good impression on herQuickly i left and after leaving my phone to recharge as it was dead. right wing of the mansion, a place I had never ventured before. The contrast to Kannan's left wing was striking. While Kannan's side was shrouded in darkness and mystery, the right wing was simpler, yet exuded a timeless elegance. The bright, airy spaces were a welcome change, filled with natural light that illuminated every corner.Unlike the eerie silence of Kannan's domain, this wing was alive with subtle sounds—servants moving about, the distant hum of conversation, and the occasional clatter of household activities. It felt more like a home, warm and inviting.As I wandered through the hallways, taking in the tasteful decor and serene ambiance, I spotted my mother-in-law. She was a vision of grace and warmth, dressed in a dark green saree that complemented her elegant demeanor. Her presence was calming, a stark contrast to the intense energy of Kannan and Arvalan.She noticed me and offered a kind smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. There was an innocence in her gaze, a gentle softness that immediately put me at ease."Good morning," I greeted her, bowing my head slightly in respect."Good morning, dear," she replied, her voice warm and soothing. "It's nice to see you exploring the house. How are you finding it?""It's beautiful," I said sincerely. "I was just admiring how different this wing is from Kannan's. It has a very peaceful and welcoming feel to it."She chuckled softly. "Yes, the right wing is more traditional, reflecting the old family values. Kannan prefers his space to be more private and modern, but I like to keep this side connected to our roots."I nodded, appreciating the insight into the family dynamics. "I can see that. It's lovely."She gestured for me to join her, and we walked together down the hallway. "Is there anything you need, dear? You seem a bit... restless."I hesitated, then decided to be honest. "I was hoping to explore outside a bit, maybe see some of the places I remember from my childhood." i lied as i don't chances are lowHer expression softened with understanding but caution "Did you ask kannan dear""yes amma but he was busy so he couldn't take me" i lied with straight face as if i had done diploma in it."she hesistanly agreed "Take a driver with you sweetie and don't be late, Don't go too far it's not safe"i hugged her knowing finally my plan worked "thank you amma".I left the mansion with the driver, eager to see the world outside the Paniker estate. As soon as we passed through the gates, it felt like I had stepped into a different era. The contrast was striking—compared to the opulence and modernity of the Paniker mansion, the surrounding area seemed to be a snapshot from the 19th century.The streets were lined with traditional houses, their architecture a blend of local craftsmanship and colonial influence. People moved about in vibrant traditional attire, the men in dhotis and kurtas, and the women in colorful sarees adorned with intricate designs. Despite the passage of time and the influence of British rule, it was evident that the community had retained a strong connection to its roots.The marketplace was bustling with activity, vendors calling out to passersby, selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Children played in the streets, their laughter filling the air, and elders gathered in small groups, engaged in animated conversations. The simplicity and authenticity of life here were refreshing, a stark contrast to the sophisticated yet isolating environment of the Paniker mansion.Don't get me wrong, I wasn't criticizing anyone or anything—it was just a different world, shaped by history and tradition. It was the people's choice to preserve their heritage, and there was something deeply admirable about that. They seemed content and proud of their way of life, which was a reminder of the importance of cultural identity.As we drove further, I found myself appreciating the beauty and serenity of the place. The lush green fields, the sound of birds chirping, and the sight of people going about their daily routines with a sense of purpose and community—it was all so different from what I was used to, yet it had its own charm.Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked the driver about any recent disturbances. I vaguely remembered hearing about riots when I first arrived. He looked hesitant but eventually replied, "Ma'am, please be cautious. There have been some tensions between the Hindu and Muslim communities."This piqued my interest further. "Since when?" I asked, hoping he would elaborate.He hesitated, glancing at me nervously before saying, "It has something to do with Anna's family. Sorry, ma'am, we're not supposed to mention it. You should ask Anna yourself."His response left me in shock, my mind racing with questions. What could Kannan's family have to do with such tensions? What was happening behind the scenes that I was unaware of?The ride back to the mansion was filled with a heavy silence. I tried to piece together the bits of information I had, but it felt like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. Kannan's family was clearly influential, but their involvement in something as serious as communal tensions was deeply troubling.Back at the mansion, I couldn't shake off the unease. I needed answers, but confronting Kannan directly was daunting. He was intimidating enough without the added tension of such a sensitive topic. Yet, I couldn't ignore the driver's warning or the potential danger it implied.I decided to bide my time and approach the subject carefully. Maybe there would be an opportune moment to bring it up subtly with Kannan or someone else who might be willing to talk. In the meantime, I would stay alert and cautious, aware that there was more to this family and their legacy than I had initially realized. The weight of my disguise felt heavier now, knowing that there were deeper, more dangerous currents beneath the surface. I would need to navigate this carefully, balancing my curiosity with the need to stay safe and keep up my facade."Maam where do wanna go? " he asked with sense of purpose not mindlessly driving . "Any Restaurant" not wanting him to give any information."Maam then they are many restaurants owned by anna why don't you go there" he asked proudly boasting about his anna's richesness."Hell no" i quickly stated without thinking, i looked at his suprised face and realized i need to watch my damn mouth.Clearly my throat, "I mean i would love to but next time, by the way did you had breakfast?" hoping he didn't."No maam not yet" he replied looking amused wondering why i was asking."Then you should go and have until your arrival, i will go to any by nearby cloth shop" i mentioned softly crossing my fingers he would agree."No maam, anna would kill me if something happened to you" he hesitantly stated.here is comes my chance!"Don't worry uncle, i will not mention this to any living soul and rest assured about my safety. Then drop me here and in 1 hour we will meet here again" i said with reassuring smile.Recultanly he agreed. Excitement bubbled up within me at the thought of delicious, mouth-watering foods. It was a welcome distraction from the unsettling revelations about Kannan's family and the ongoing tensions.Here i come my dear chicken!