Chapter 5

Chapter 5 – The Quiet Union

The morning sun spilled softly into the quiet lanes near the court. Vidi stepped out of the car, her heart fluttering nervously, yet a sense of calm steadied her. She wore a red saree, simple but elegant, with just minimal gold jewelry—a pair of delicate earrings and a thin chain around her neck. The saree’s vibrant color contrasted beautifully with her calm demeanor, making her glow with understated grace.

Amaya walked beside her, eyes shining with pride and support. “You look… amazing, Vid,” she whispered. “Seriously. Just breathe, okay?”

Vidi nodded, gripping the folds of her saree. “Thank you… Ammu. I’ll try.”

Inside, the courtroom was small, silent, and completely private—exactly as Vidi had arranged. No crowds. No media. Just the clerk, the officials, and the two worlds about to collide.

The door opened, and Kunal Rathore stepped in first. His tall, dark figure in a perfectly tailored black suit instantly commanded attention.

Then he saw her.

Vidi, standing with quiet poise in her red saree, her hair neatly pinned, the faint gold catching the light as she moved—she looked breathtaking.

For the briefest moment, Kunal’s cold, calculating mind faltered. His sharp eyes softened slightly, and a rare thought crossed his mind: Wow… she’s beautiful.

He quickly masked it, returning to his usual controlled, unreadable expression, but the image of her lingered.

Behind him, Kartik followed, his own cold gaze sweeping the room, alert and cautious, taking in every detail.

The clerk cleared his throat. “Please state your full names for the record.”

Vidi’s voice was steady, despite the racing of her heart. “Vidi Yadav.”

Kunal’s voice came, low and firm, with that same controlled edge. “Kunal Rathore.”

Kartik remained silent, his presence a silent shadow at Kunal’s side.

The formalities began. Papers were signed, stamps pressed, and legal words exchanged—the court marriage binding them silently and officially.

Vidi’s hands shook slightly as she held the pen. Amaya’s hand lightly rested on hers, offering quiet support.

When it was done, the clerk declared softly, “By the authority vested in me, you are now legally married.”

Vidi exhaled, a mix of relief and tension washing over her. She was now Kunal Rathore’s wife.

Kunal didn’t speak, but his gaze lingered on her for a fraction longer than necessary, just enough for the thought to quietly echo in his mind again: She really is beautiful.

Amaya squeezed Vidi’s hand. “It’s over… you did it,” she whispered.

Vidi nodded, a small, calm smile tugging at her lips. “Yes… and no one knows.”

In the quiet courtroom, a secret marriage was sealed—between two lives, two powerful families, and a beginning that promised both tension and hidden possibilities.

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The mansion was quiet, almost eerily so, as Vidi stepped inside her room. The tall windows let in a soft glow of moonlight, and the walls were painted in warm cream tones that made the space feel cozy despite the grandeur of the house.

“Here’s your room,” Kunal said from the doorway, his tone flat but precise, eyes briefly scanning the neatly arranged furniture. “I’ve already arranged everything. Separate rooms were requested, and I’ve made sure it’s done. If you have any bags with you, take them inside.”

Vidi smiled softly, “My bags will arrive shortly. I’ll wait for them.”

A short while later, her luggage arrived, and she began unpacking. Books, clothes, personal belongings—everything she had brought from home found its place in her room. Hours passed as she arranged shelves, folded clothes, and tidied the space.

By 11:00 PM, she finally leaned back on her bed, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Her hands were tired, but the room looked perfect—her little sanctuary within the vast mansion.

Her stomach rumbled softly. She wasn’t used to eating at this late hour, but hunger called. She decided to explore the mansion quietly, careful not to disturb anyone. Her footsteps led her to the kitchen, and what she saw made her eyes widen in delight.

A small treasure trove of ice cream tubs, chocolates, and desserts was neatly arranged on the counter. She didn’t want to make anything complicated or disturb anyone, so she carefully grabbed a few of her favorites and carried them back to her room.

“I’ll just watch something, eat, and then sleep,” she whispered to herself with a small smile.

But just as she reached her door, she froze. Standing in the dim hallway, leaning casually against the wall, was Kunal. His sharp eyes landed on the ice cream and chocolates in her hands. For the first time since the court, a small, rare smirk tugged at his lips.

“You’re hungry,” he said flatly, though the smirk lingered.

Vidi’s cheeks heated. “Yes… that’s why I took this. I didn’t want to disturb anyone,” she said quickly, her voice soft.

Kunal stepped closer, his gaze calm and commanding. “If you need anything, go and ask the house staff. Don’t roam the mansion by yourself.”

Vidi pouted slightly, holding the ice cream closer to her chest.

He raised a brow, his voice smooth but with an edge. “Will ice cream be enough? You should eat something proper first. I’ll have the house staff prepare something fresh and good. Then you can have your ice cream and chocolates afterward.”

Before she could protest, he reached out and took the ice cream and chocolates from her hands. “The house staff will bring your food and your treats to your room. You won’t have to move around the mansion like this again.”

Vidi blinked, caught off guard, her cheeks warming even more. “O-Okay…” she whispered, unable to hide the small, shy smile creeping onto her lips.

Kunal gave a curt nod and turned away, his smirk fading as he walked back down the hallway, leaving Vidi with the quiet comfort of knowing: her first night in the mansion wasn’t going to be as lonely as she thought—but it certainly wasn’t going to be ordinary either.

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