I decided to move to a different street, one where the Paniker family's influence was not present. I knew that any restaurant frequented by them would only serve vegetarian food, and my craving for meat was too strong to ignore. This meant taking a risk and venturing into an area I had been warned to avoid.Soon, I found myself in front of a Muslim restaurant. The aroma of grilled meats and rich spices wafted through the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. The men wore white topi(cap), and the women had their heads covered, embodying the traditional attire of their faith. It was a different world from the one I had been living in at the Paniker mansion, yet it felt welcoming in its own unique way.It's finally my chance to be saraSoon i covered my head with a scarf so that i would'nt be black sheep and mingle without troubles.Stepping inside, I was greeted by the warm, spicy scent of the food cooking in the kitchen. The decor was simple, but the atmosphere was vibrant and full of life. Families chatted over their meals, and the clatter of dishes and the hum of conversation filled the air.I found a small table in the corner and sat down, glancing around to take in the surroundings. It felt slightly daring to be here, but the anticipation of a hearty, meaty meal made it worth the risk. A waiter approached, and I quickly placed my order: a mixed grill platter with lamb kebabs, chicken tikka, and a side of spicy biryani.As I waited, I observed the patrons around me. There was a sense of community here, a closeness that was comforting to witness. People smiled and greeted each other warmly, sharing their stories and laughter. It was a stark contrast to the formal, often tense atmosphere of the Paniker household, suddenly thought what if i and kannan talk and laughter in dining table,i was shocked at my thoughts.When my food arrived, it looked even better than I had imagined. The meats were perfectly cooked, charred just right, and the biryani was a vibrant mix of spices, herbs, and succulent pieces of meat. I took my first bite, and it was everything I had been craving—juicy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. i felt alive again.As I savored each bite, I allowed myself to relax and enjoy the moment. The rich flavors and hearty textures were a comforting reminder of the simple pleasures I had missed. Here, I was just another diner, enjoying a meal, far removed from the intrigues and pressures of the Paniker family.I stayed for a while, finishing my meal and sipping on a sweet, milky tea that the waiter recommended. It was soothing, a perfect end to the feast. When I finally got up to leave, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to face whatever awaited me back at the mansionLeaving the restaurant, I took one last look around, committing the scene to memory. It was a small act of rebellion. As I was leaving the restaurant to find the driver at our agreed meeting point, chaos erupted around me. I had never witnessed anything like this in my life. People were running in every direction, the sounds of panic and distress filling the air. Smoke billowed from burning debris, and the scent of fear was almost tangible.In the midst of the turmoil, I saw several people injured, clutching wounds and stumbling away from the epicenter of the riot. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to make sense of the situation. Suddenly, I heard a shout that sent chills down my spine: "Find the Paniker girl! We got news she came nearby here!"Panic surged through me. The ground seemed to shift beneath my feet, and for a moment, I felt as if the earth was crashing down around me. My disguise as Hari, the Paniker family's daughter-in-law, had put me in grave danger.Instinct took over, and I ducked into a narrow alleyway, trying to stay out of sight. My mind raced, trying to figure out my next move. I needed to find the driver and get back to the safety of the mansion, but the rioters were searching for me, and it was only a matter of time before they found me if I stayed exposed.I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm and think clearly. I needed to move quickly but carefully. Keeping to the shadows, I navigated through the back alleys, hoping to avoid drawing any attention. Every shoutand cry seemed to grow louder, echoing off the narrow walls, heightening my sense of urgency.Peeking around a corner, I saw a group of men running past, their faces contorted with anger. I pressed myself against the wall, holding my breath until they disappeared from sight. With each step, I moved closer to the rendezvous point where the driver was supposed to be waiting. The streets were a maze, and the chaos made it difficult to keep my bearings, but I knew I couldn't afford to get lost.As I reached the end of an alley, I cautiously stepped out and scanned the area. There, across the street, I spotted the driver. Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived as I noticed a group of rioters heading in my direction. Without thinking, I sprinted towards the car, waving frantically to get the driver's attention.He saw me and immediately understood the urgency. He opened the car door, and I practically dove inside. "Go, go!" I shouted, my voice trembling with fear.The driver didn't need to be told twice. He accelerated, and we sped away from the scene. I looked back through the rear window, watching the chaos recede, but the knot of fear in my stomach remained.Once we were safely out of the immediate danger, the driver glanced at me, concern etched on his face. "Ma'am, are you okay?"I nodded, trying to steady my breathing. "Just get us back to the mansion. Quickly, please."As we drove through the streets, the adrenaline began to wear off, leaving me feeling drained and shaken. The reality of what had just happened started to sink in. The tension between the communities was far more serious than I had realized, and my presence had almost sparked further violence. I could barely focus on their fussing, my mind still reeling from the close call.i didn't knew one meat,can cause me to become dead meat in minutes.As soon as we arrived back at the Paniker mansion, I turned to the driver with a stern expression. "Not a word to anyone about what happened today," I warned. "If you value your job, you'll keep this to yourself."He nodded quickly, understanding the gravity of my words. "Yes, ma'am. I won't say anything."Relief washed over me, but there was no time to relax. I needed to get to my room and ensure that no one else knew about my unauthorized outing. As I hurried through the mansion, I thanked every deity I could think of for getting me out of that chaos alive. Luck had been on my side today, and I wasn't about to squander it.Fortunately, Kannan was not at home, which gave me some breathing room. The absence of his intense, scrutinizing presence made it easier to move about without drawing attention. I approached each servant I encountered, giving them the same stern warning. "You didn't see me outside today. Understand? Not a word to anyone."Their eyes widened slightly, but they all nodded in agreement. The staff here knew the importance of discretion, and they understood the implications of crossing any member of the Paniker family—or their guests.Finally, I reached the safety of my room. I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, exhaling a long, shaky breath. My heart was still pounding from the adrenaline and fear. I made my way to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face to steady myself. Looking in the mirror, I saw the remnants of the day's tension etched into my features.After a few moments, I straightened up and took a deep breath. The most immediate danger had passed, but the underlying issues remained. The riots, the tension between communities, and the dangerous curiosity about my presence were all problems that needed careful navigation.For now, I decided to focus on immediate safety. I changed into more comfortable clothes and settled on my bed, thinking through my next steps. Keeping a low profile was essential, but so was gathering information. I needed to understand more about the Paniker family's role in the unrest and why it was so perilous for me to be seen outside the mansion.My mind drifted to Kannan. His absence today had been a blessing, but I knew it wouldn't last. He would return, and I would have to face him and navigate his unpredictable moods. For now, I allowed myself a moment of calm, thankful for the narrow escape and determined to be more cautious in the future. The mansion might be a gilded cage, but it was the safest place for me at the moment.My thoughts were interrupted by the noise of my phone buzzing, finally fully charged. I picked it up and saw numerous missed calls and messages from Mom and Dad. Panic surged through me—they didn't know where I was, and given the current situation, they must have been terrified.I quickly opened the messages, starting with Mom's."Where are you? Why aren't you answering?" "We need to talk, it's important." "Please call us back as soon as you see this."Each message was more frantic than the last. I switched to Dad's messages, my heart pounding."Sara, your mother and I are worried sick. Call us immediately." "Is everything alright? We haven't heard from you in days."Guilt washed over me. They had no idea where I was, let alone the chaos I'd gotten myself into. I dialed Mom's number, the phone trembling slightly in my hand. She answered on the first ring."Sara! Where are you? We've been so worried!" Her voice was thick with panic and anger."Mom, I'm okay," I said quickly, trying to sound reassuring. "I'm sorry I didn't call sooner. My phone was dead, and there's been a lot going on.""Where exactly are you?" she demanded. "You can't just run away like this without telling us. Do you know how worried we've been?""I'm on the trip I mentioned," I said, my mind racing to keep the story straight. "I told you I needed some time for myself.""You didn't tell us where you were going!" Dad's voice came through the speaker, his tone edged with frustration and concern."I needed some space," I said, trying to sound casual. "I wanted to clear my head and get away from everything for a bit. I didn't want to stress you out with the details.""Details?" Mom scoffed. "You can't just disappear for months! What if something happened to you?""I'm sorry, Mom," I said, genuinely feeling the weight of their concern. "I should have given you more information. But I promise, I'm safe. The internet connection here is really bad, which is why I couldn't call or message earlier."There was a pause. I could feel their worry through the phone."We've been trying to reach you for days," Mom said, her voice softer now but still worried. "This isn't like you, Sara.""I know," I said, feeling a pang of guilt. "I just needed some time away. I'll be back in three months. I promise to keep in touch as much as I can.""You better," Dad said, his voice stern but relieved. "We can't afford to lose contact with you like this again.""I know, I'm sorry," I said. "I'll call you regularly from now on, whenever I can get a signal."After a few more reassurances, I ended the call, feeling both relieved and guilty. I sat on the edge of the bed, the reality of my situation settling in. My parents didn't know the full truth, and I intended to keep it that way for their sake.i quickly dialed hari's call but myy disappointment she didn't pick up. i was devastated how can she not pick up while leaving in lion's den.I searched through my contacts, my hands trembling slightly, until I found his number. My heart ached as I stared at his name: "Arhaan." A tear slipped down my cheek. "Brother, please pick up," I whispered, my voice breaking.I pressed the call button, and the phone rang. Each ring felt like an eternity, amplifying my anxiety. But there was no answer. The call went to voicemail, and I hung up, feeling the crushing weight of disappointment.I sat down on the floor, my back against the cold wall, and let the tears fall freely. Anger and sadness churned inside me. It had been so many years since we last spoke, and yet his silence still hurt deeply. Was he still angry with me?I thought back to the last time we were together, the argument that tore us apart. It seemed like a lifetime ago, yet the pain was still fresh. I hugged my knees to my chest, trying to hold myself together."Arhaan," I whispered to the empty room, "why can't you forgive me?"Memories flooded back—his laughter, his protectiveness, the way he used to look out for me. But those memories were overshadowed by the harsh words we exchanged, the lines we crossed.Because of me, he left home, leaving Mom and Dad devastated. Arhaan was the ideal son and brother, always doing everything right, always making them proud. I, on the other hand, felt like I was living in his shadow, constantly overshadowed by his achievements and the love they showered on him. I was so jealous of the attention he received.When I found out that Arhaan was dating a Hindu girl, my jealousy took over. Instead of letting him handle the situation calmly and tell our parents in his own time, I snitched on him. I was selfish and wanted to be the one in the spotlight for once, even if it meant breaking his trust.I can still remember the look on his face when he found out what I had done. It wasn't just anger or disappointment; it was a deep sense of betrayal. He had always been there for me, and in his moment of need, I had turned against him. Our parents were furious, and the fight that followed was one of the worst I'd ever witnessed.Arhaan tried to explain, tried to make them understand, but the damage was done. Our parents were heartbroken, and Arhaan was pushed to the limit. He left that night, and we haven't spoken since.The guilt has been my constant companion ever since. I destroyed our family's harmony, all because of my own insecurities and jealousy. Every day, I regret my actions and wish I could take it all back, but it's too late. The damage is done, and Arhaan is gone.Sitting here, clutching my phone, I feel the weight of my past mistakes pressing down on me. I wish I could make him understand how sorry I am, how much I regret what I did. But it seems he's not ready to forgive me, and I can't blame him for that."Arhaan," I whispered into the silence of the room, "I'm so sorry. I was selfish and wrong. I hope one day you can forgive me."After dinner, I decided to take a shower. The hot water cascaded over my body, helping to wash away the stress and tension of the day. I couldn't help but think about Kannan. Why wasn't he back yet? Had he eaten dinner? I shook my head, annoyed at myself for worrying about him.Wrapping a towel around me, I stepped out of the bathroom. This room dim lights can give me heart ache someday. i mentally noted to ask someone to fix these lights. As I turned, my breath caught in my throat. There, sitting on the sofa with a glass in his hand, was Kannan. The dim light barely illuminated his form, but it was enough to see the way he looked at me. I clutched my towel tightly, hoping it wouldn't slip.He looked so sexy, the way he lounged casually, his eyes dark and intense. I could feel his gaze burning into me, making me feel exposed and vulnerable. It was as if he could see right through me, stripping away the towel and leaving me bare under his scrutiny.I tried to steady my breathing, but the tension in the room was palpable. His presence was overpowering, and the way he looked at me made my skin tingle."Kannan," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't realize you were here."He took a slow sip from his glass, his eyes never leaving mine. The way he moved was deliberate, almost predatory. I could feel my heart racing, a mix of fear and something else I couldn't quite identify."Clearly," he replied, his voice deep and smooth, sending shivers down my spine. "You seem...distracted."I swallowed hard, my mouth suddenly dry. "I was just... getting ready for bed."His gaze traveled slowly from my face to the towel clutched around my body and then back up again. "You should be more careful," he said softly, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "You never know who might be watching."suddenly, Kannan began moving toward me, his presence growing more imposing with each step. "Princess, did you go somewhere?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.I felt my legs weaken, and I instinctively started backing away. "No," I stammered, hoping against hope that he would believe me. But the look in his eyes told me he knew something. He wasn't asking for the truth; he was demanding it."There won't be a second time asking, Princess," he said in a daring tone, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my heart race. It was as if he were challenging me, daring me to lie to him again.I continued to back away until I felt the cold wall against my bare back, sending a shiver through me. I was trapped, with nowhere to go and no escape from his piercing gaze.Where did you go?" he asked, his voice tight with barely restrained anger.I hesitated for a moment before responding, "Just to get some fresh air."He scoffed, and I instinctively looked away, unable to meet his intense gaze. Suddenly, his hand gripped my jaw firmly, forcing me to meet his eyes."I just went to a restaurant, that's all," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.His expression darkened, his anger palpable. "Didn't I say not to go outside? It's dangerous," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "You're mine to protect."I could feel his breath on my lips, his face so close to mine that I could almost taste the tension in the air. His anger was mixed with something else, something I couldn't quite identify.My heart pounded in my chest, and I felt a swirling mix of fear and anticipation. Kannan's proximity was overwhelming, and I struggled to keep my composure.As if propelled by some unseen force, I crashed my lips onto his, a desperate attempt to distract him from my earlier disobedience. His mouth tasted of alcohol, and for a moment, I allowed myself to savor the sensation before pulling back slightly."I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart.Before I could react, his arms wrapped around my waist and neck, pulling me closer as he deepened the kiss. It was harsh and demanding, as if he were trying to claim me in that moment.My mind spun with confusion and desire, torn between the need to resist and the overwhelming pull of his touch. I found myself melting into him, my fingers tangling in his hair as I kissed him back with equal fervor.For a moment, the world around us faded away, leaving only the heat of our bodies and the taste of his lips on mine. But as the kiss intensified, so did the realization of what I had done.With a gasp, I pulled away, my chest heaving as I stared at him in shock. What had I just done? And why did it feel so right and so wrong all at once?Kannan's expression was unreadable as he looked at me, his eyes dark with desire and something else I couldn't quite place. Without a word, he brushed his thumb against my cheek, his touch sending shivers down my spine."I'm not the kind of man you can play games with, Princess," he said softly, his voice sending a jolt of electricity through me. "Remember that."And with that warning hanging in the air, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, breathless and bewildered, wondering what had just happened and what it meant for us.