Swara suddenly widened her eyes in complete shock and again turned to look at Priyanka, who was laughing wholeheartedly with all her teeth showing and quickly joining her palms together as if begging for help.

“Look, it has been so many days since I last met Dushyant. Today was our very first exam, and finally, I got a chance to meet him. At home, I told them that I would have to sit in the library for at least one hour so that I could focus on my next subjects, and only then did they allow me to step out. Please, please support me this one time. All you have to do is sit in the library for one hour, or if not, then go to the canteen and enjoy a treat on me, eat anything you want. But whatever happens, don’t let me get dragged outside the college for the next hour.”

Tu ek number ki kamini hai.”

(You are such a cunning little witch.)

Swara shouts at her in frustration, as she is very afraid that if one day Ranvijay comes to know about Priyanka's secret love story, he will definitely question her as well.

“Yes, I know that already,” Priyanka replied shamelessly, grinning wider, “but what do I do now? This same cunning witch of yours has fallen in love… And what kind of friend are you if you can’t do even this little thing for me?”

“Go and die… Just go quickly and come back quickly. I’m telling you very clearly, if you take more than one hour, then I will not sit here waiting for you. I’ll just leave. I need to prepare for my upcoming subjects. You know very well that Papa has already announced that he has fixed my marriage, and the muhurat has been decided right after the exams. After marriage, I will somehow have to convince Sharad and talk to him about my further studies, because Papa has already stressed that he doesn’t want me to study any further. But you know me, I want to study, I want to achieve a lot, and I have so many dreams yet to fulfill.”

“Why are you stressing yourself so much?” Priyanka said quickly, trying to assure her, “Here’s what I’ll do, after the exams, I’ll send both my brother and Dushyant to your house with the complaint of how badly your father is troubling you. And you know very well, the moment they hear my words, both of them will rush to your home, and then whatever you want will definitely happen.”

“Keep your two thugs away from me.” Swara snapped back instantly. “Neither do you need to tell your brother anything, nor your would-be husband. Just yesterday, my neighbor was telling me that your brother had beaten her son’s friend so badly that he broke his hands and legs. I really don’t understand why I even keep coming to your house.”

“Because you love me, my darling… that’s the only reason,” Priyanka replied mischievously, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Swara, furious at her words, ran after her with the intention of giving her a tight slap. But Priyanka, as usual, acted too fast, she dashed away giggling, quickly jumped into Dushyant’s car, and waved her hand cheerfully. Seeing her like that, Swara couldn’t help but smile despite her annoyance. Immediately, Dushyant rolled up the black-tinted windows of his car, making sure no one could see Priyanka sitting with him.

Priyanka turned back to look at Dushyant, only to find him already sitting with his pants zipper open. Without wasting even a moment, he grabbed her head firmly, forcing her down, his eyes still fixed on the road as he drove further ahead. Priyanka, without any hesitation, wrapped her soft lips around his hardened shaft, teasing and stroking him in a way that quickly made him lose control.

Dushyant’s breathing became heavy and uneven, his chest rising and falling with quick bursts as if he was losing all control over himself. He had driven at such a reckless speed that by now the car was parked deep inside the isolated fields, a place where no one could possibly see them even if they tried. Spreading his legs slightly, he pushed his seat all the way back, sinking deeper and letting himself enjoy the raw sensation of her lips and mouth.

He grabbed her silky hair roughly, pushing her head further down with an urgency that revealed how close he was to the edge. Priyanka tried to adjust but soon began gagging under the force, unable to breathe properly. Yet Dushyant, already desperate and lost in the overwhelming rush of desire, pulled her even harder, making her move up and down rapidly. The way her lips clutched him, the way her throat tightened around him, it was making him wild, dragging him mercilessly toward his peak. He was right at the edge, his eyes shut tight, his body trembling with the intensity of the moment, surrendering completely to the heat of her touch. And he released her and swallowed all his juice.

Priyanka smiled sweetly as she looked at him, but Dushyant immediately pulled her by the neck, bringing her closer, brushing his lips against hers as he whispered in a low, frustrated tone.

“You’ve made me go crazy… Do you even realize how long it has been since I last held you?”

Still smiling, Priyanka slipped onto his lap gracefully, her eyes glowing with mischief and affection. As soon as she settled there, Dushyant began kissing her lips hungrily, his fingers moving impatiently to pull down the zipper of her kurta. But Priyanka pressed her palm firmly against his chest, stopping him for a moment.

“Dushyant, I came here with so much difficulty just to meet you… And here you are, only interested in doing this,” she said softly, her voice carrying both reproach and tenderness.

“How could I not be interested?” Dushyant replied instantly, his tone desperate, almost pleading. “Do you have any idea how much you make me burn inside? I don’t have fifty girlfriends, Priyanka, you’re the only one I love with all my heart, the only one I worship day and night. After so many days, when finally you are in my arms, how do you expect me to stay away from you?”

Hearing his words, Priyanka’s cheeks turned slightly pink, her lips parting in a shy smile. She slowly surrendered herself, letting her body lean into him fully. In one swift motion, her kurta was off her body, and Dushyant immediately bent down, capturing her nipple between his lips with such hunger, as though no other thirst in the world could quench him. Priyanka closed her eyes, threading her fingers through his hair, gasping softly as she whispered,

“Dushyant… When will you go and talk to Papa about us?”

“I don’t need to talk to him,” Dushyant replied heatedly, pulling back only to kiss her again, biting her lips with frustration. “If it were up to me, I would take you away from here this very moment. But your father has made it clear to my father that until his elder son gets married, he won’t even think about your marriage. In his eyes, you’re still too young.”

“What?” Priyanka gasped, her heart sinking.

Grabbing her hair harshly, she pulled his face up to meet hers, but Dushyant immediately cupped her cheeks, kissing her lips fiercely before growling against her mouth.

“Do you even realize how much anger I’m carrying against your family? Your brother keeps refusing marriage, and your father insists that his son must marry first before thinking about his daughter. And even if your brother does get married soon, your father still won’t marry you off to me so quickly. Do you know why? Because in his mind, he wants you to spend three or four years learning business, carrying forward his legacy. He doesn’t want his daughter to remain ignorant of his empire. That’s why he has no intention of letting you marry me for years.”

“Stop this nonsense, Dushyant… If that’s true… then I’ll die waiting,” Priyanka cried, panic flashing in her eyes.

Enraged, Dushyant pushed her down hard onto the seat, glaring at her as his hands tugged roughly at the knot of her string, pulling off her palazzo along with her panties in one furious motion. Pressing her throat gently with his palm, his voice broke in desperation.

“And you’re worried only about yourself? Do you have any idea? I will die without you. I can’t live a single moment without you, Priyanka.”

Hearing his words, Priyanka’s lips trembled, her face turning soft and vulnerable, but before she could say anything, he ignored her expression completely and thrust into her with one hard, desperate motion.

“Ahhhh… dushyant…”

“Priyanka,”

He groaned, holding her tightly, “I’ve already sent my father to talk to yours. And your father has promised, whether it’s after four years or five years, whenever he finally agrees to your marriage, he will think of only me for you.”

He yanked her hair harder, forcing her to meet his eyes as he thrust deeply again, his voice almost breaking.

“Do you even realize what you’re asking of me? To stay away from you for years? I can’t, Priyanka. Do something, anything, but convince your family sooner. I cannot survive this long without you.”

Priyanka could feel the storm of anger and longing raging inside him. His thrusts grew faster, harder, and filled with urgency. She clung to him tightly, her nails digging deep into his back, but nothing could slow him down. He was beyond control.

“Dushyant… how can I even say anything to them?” She cried breathlessly, her voice trembling. “You know very well, I cannot speak against Papa or Bhaiya. Once they’ve given their word, they never change it. Whatever they decide… is final.”

Her helpless confession only fueled Dushyant further. He drove into her with even greater intensity, forcing her to wrap her arms tightly around him. Suddenly, he lowered his lips to her neck, biting her roughly, marking her. But controlling himself, he pulled away from her throat and lowered his mouth to her breasts, biting gently before whispering hoarsely,

“Priyanka, you are mine… Remember this other than me, you will never belong to anyone else.”

Priyanka, gasping, cupped his face in both her hands, staring into his eyes.

“That’s exactly what I’m afraid of,” she whispered shakily. “You… you will never wait for me for four years. What if you don’t?”

Her words silenced him. Dushyant stared deeply into her eyes, saying nothing, only moving harder and faster, his breath ragged. She quieted instantly, realizing nothing could stop him now. Soon, both of them reached their peak together, trembling with the intensity of their release.

But just as he was about to let go inside her, Dushyant suddenly pulled out, his chest heaving, and released himself entirely across her stomach, gasping heavily, his forehead pressing against hers as he tried to catch his breath.

Priyanka lay back against the seat, her chest rising and falling rapidly, her skin still flushed with the aftershocks of their intimacy. Her eyes were moist, not just from the intensity of what had just happened, but from the turmoil swirling inside her heart. Dushyant leaned over her, his breath still harsh and uneven, drops of sweat rolling down his temples. He pressed his forehead against hers, his lips trembling as he whispered.

“Do you understand now, Priyanka? Do you finally understand what you mean to me? You think I can wait years for you? Every second without you feels like I’m burning alive.”

Priyanka slowly raised her hands to his face, cupping his cheeks, her thumb brushing against his stubble. She tried to smile, but her lips quivered.

“Dushyant… This isn’t in my hands. You think I don’t want to be yours? You think I want to wait? No… But Papa and Bhaiya have already made all the decisions. You know how they are, once they’ve spoken, no one can change their word.”

Her voice cracked, tears slipping down her temples. Dushyant’s jaw clenched, fury flashing in his eyes. He gripped her tighter, almost crushing her to him.

“I don’t care what they’ve decided… They don’t own you, Priyanka. You are mine … only mine… And if they try to keep you away from me for four years… then I swear, I’ll snatch you away from them.”

His words sent a shiver down her spine. She knew his temper and knew the darkness that sometimes took over him. She placed her trembling fingers on his lips, silencing him gently.

“Don’t say that… please. If you go against Papa, he will never forgive me. And Bhaiya, he won’t think twice before destroying everything we have. You don’t understand how dangerous it could become.”

Dushyant’s breath grew harsher, his eyes still locked on hers with a wild intensity. He grabbed her hand from his lips and pressed it against his chest.

“Let them do whatever they want. I don’t fear your father, and I don’t fear your brother. All I fear is losing you. Do you hear me, Priyanka? You are my heartbeat. Without you, I am nothing.”

Priyanka’s tears fell freely now, soaking his naked chest as she buried her face against his chest. Her voice was muffled but filled with raw honesty.

“And what if they still refuse? What if years pass and Papa never agrees? What will you do then, Dushyant? Will you still wait for me… or will you leave me?”

Dushyant pulled her chin up sharply, forcing her to meet his gaze. His eyes burned with both pain and madness.

“Don’t you dare ask me that again. I will wait, I will fight, I will even burn the whole world if I have to, but I will never leave you. Do you understand? Never.”

His words rang with such conviction that for a moment, Priyanka could only stare at him, her heart torn between fear and love. She hugged him tighter, her arms clutching him as if she could fuse herself into his soul.

But even as she held him, a shadow lingered in her mind, the shadow of her father’s authority, her brother’s rage, and the many years stretching ahead. Could their love really survive that storm? Or would time itself become their greatest enemy? Dushyant kissed her hair, still breathing heavily, whispering in the silence of the fields.

“No one will take you away from me, Priyanka. Not your father, not your brother, not even destiny itself. You are mine, and one day, I’ll make the whole world accept it.”

Priyanka closed her eyes, her tears soaking his chest, silently praying that his fiery words would not turn into a storm that would destroy them both.

One hour later, Dushyant carefully brought Priyanka back in his car, stopping right near the college library. As Priyanka moved to get out, he suddenly caught her hand, pulled her close into a tight embrace, and kissed her face gently before pressing a firm kiss on her lips. His voice trembled with intensity as he whispered,

“Whatever their decision may be, regardless of what happens, always remember you are mine. Always remember this. I know I was rough with you today, and I’m sorry for that. I was just frustrated because all I want is to make you mine completely. And it feels like the whole world is conspiring to take you away from me.”

Priyanka held him tightly, her arms trembling around his body, but she tried her best to stop her tears from falling. Not wanting him to see her broken face, she quickly stepped out of the car and walked toward the library. As soon as she entered, her eyes went straight to Swara, who was completely lost in her books, studying with full concentration. Priyanka quietly walked over and sat down beside her.

The moment Swara noticed Priyanka’s pale, weary face, she grew a little concerned. Without a word, she pulled out her water bottle and handed it to her. Priyanka took it gratefully, but her voice shook as she spoke.

“Dushyant’s father went to meet my father… And Papa clearly told him that he will not even think about my marriage before four years. He said he wants me to move ahead in life first, and also that I should learn to understand business. Swara… why would he do this?”

Hearing her, Swara smiled softly, gently cupping Priyanka’s face with her hand. Her eyes shone with wisdom as she said,

“You foolish girl. You are only seeing that he’s trying to keep you away from Dushyant, but you’re not seeing why he’s doing this. Do you remember what happened with your cousin sister? She married too early, without finishing her studies. And what happened? That man not only forced her to transfer all her property into his name but also tortured her day and night. By the time she came back to your family, her condition was so miserable. Your father witnessed all of that up close, Priyanka. He is terrified that something like that will happen to his own daughter. He is protecting you. And believe me, such a loving and thoughtful father is very rare. He is doing the right thing. And if Dushyant truly loves you, he will wait for you.”

Priyanka listened carefully to Swara’s words, staring at her with deep thought. Slowly, she began to process the reasoning behind her father’s decision. A small smile curved on her lips. She held Swara’s hand and said with a faint laugh,

“I know very well who has influenced Papa in making this decision. It’s all because of Ranvijay Bhaiya. When Aastha Di came back in that terrible condition, Bhaiya went silent for many days. He often told Papa that until I stand on my feet, until I become independent, he would never let my marriage happen. And Papa agreed with him. I can understand that much… but my Dushyant isn’t that bad, is he?”

“For you, your Dushyant may not be bad,” Swara said honestly, “but for your brother, it doesn’t matter if it’s Dushyant or even Lord Ram himself standing in front of him, he would still say no. Honestly, I feel happy that at least your brother has enough sense to make such a wise decision for you. And I’ll tell you this, Priyanka, when you’re being given the chance to study, then study with all your heart. Even today, women struggle to achieve freedom. Work diligently to make a name for yourself, and learn business with your father and brother. Try to understand everything on your own. Look at me, should I even tell you my sorrow? The moment my exams are over, I’m getting married. And I’m not at all happy about it, because my in-laws don’t agree at all with me continuing my studies.”

Priyanka’s eyes widened with surprise. “I don’t understand. First, why was this marriage suddenly fixed? Second, why has no one heard anything about it until now? And third, why are you agreeing to it?”

Swara sighed heavily, her eyes dimming with helplessness. “It wasn’t sudden. The proposal came to Papa almost a year ago. He just didn’t want anyone to know. You know how much tension our family has been under ever since my sister came back home. Her in-laws don’t take her back, and now even my brother-in-law doesn’t call her. Because of her situation, Papa has been facing constant problems when it comes to finding a match for me. So when this boy’s proposal came, Papa decided immediately. He made sure no one else would find out. Only our relatives and some of Papa's close friends will receive invitations to the wedding. No outsiders, no show. And of course, you will be invited because you are my best friend. The reason is simple, they don’t want too many people to know; otherwise, if anything goes wrong, the alliance could break. You know how restless Papa has been about my future. My yes or no doesn’t matter to them anymore. So I… I’ve stopped saying anything.”

Priyanka’s heart ached listening to her best friend’s pain. She could feel the weight of Swara’s helplessness. Without saying another word, she simply pulled Swara into a warm, tight embrace, holding her silently, because she knew, at this moment, there were no words that could ease her suffering.