Chapter 1: The Beginning of the Ordeal
Mumbai nights have always been fast-paced and luminous, but for Mahi, tonight was shrouded in darkness and dread. In a small *chawl*, where her family barely scraped by, the shadow of death loomed large today. Her father, a simple laborer, could never have imagined that a small debt would demand such a devastating price.
Standing before them was **Vikrant Rathore**, known to the world as 'Bhai.' His name alone made the entire neighborhood tremble. His eyes burned as if a fire raged within them, and a cruel smirk always played upon his lips. His henchmen had surrounded Mahi’s house from all sides. Inside, her mother and younger sister huddled in a corner, paralyzed by fear.
"So, what have you decided, Sharma Ji?" Vikrant’s heavy voice echoed through the room. "Will you repay the debt, or...?" His gaze came to a rest on Mahi.
Mahi shuddered. She knew exactly what that 'or' implied. For the past few days, Vikrant’s men had been constantly threatening them, and within those threats lay a sinister proposal—Mahi’s hand in marriage.
"Please, Bhai Sahab," Mahi’s father pleaded, his hands joined in supplication, his voice trembling. "Just give me a little more time. I will return your money."
Vikrant laughed—a sound that was bone-chilling. "Time? Sharma Ji, time has run out. And besides, I want something more than money now." His eyes locked onto Mahi again. "I want your daughter."
It felt as if the blood had frozen in Mahi’s veins. She had never imagined her life would take such a horrific turn. She had heard that Vikrant Rathore listened to no one; whatever he desired, he took, no matter the cost.
"No! That can't happen!" Mahi’s mother screamed, pulling her daughter behind her.
But Vikrant’s henchmen moved with lightning speed. One of them snatched Mahi from behind her mother. Mahi tried to struggle, but she was helpless against their iron grip.
"Look, Sharma Ji," Vikrant said, taking a puff of his cigar, his eyes void of any emotion. "You have two paths. Either you give your daughter to me, and I will waive your entire debt and let your family live in peace. Or... I will finish off your entire family, and I’ll take your daughter anyway."
There was such a coldness in his voice that Mahi felt as if she were standing in a freezer. Her father collapsed to the floor, the helplessness and defeat evident in his eyes. He could do nothing to save his daughter.
Tears welled up in Mahi’s eyes. She looked at her father, then at her mother and younger sister. To save their lives, she would have to make this sacrifice.
"I... I’m ready," Mahi sobbed, the words barely escaping her lips. "I will marry you."
A victorious smile spread across Vikrant’s lips. "Good. Very good. Get ready, girl. Your wedding will take place tonight."
Mahi’s world shattered in that very moment. She didn’t know what lay ahead, but she knew one thing for certain: her life would never be the same again. She was now the captive of a gangster, bound by a forced relationship.
Her ordeal had only just begun.
*So friends, today's chapter ends here. See you tomorrow. Until then, Radhe Radhe!* 😇❤️🙏
**— Hooda** ✍️
