The proposal

Later that evening, Priya returned to the mansion. She had taken Vikram's private speedboat back from the city. She was now a Senior Director at his firm, earning a massive salary again, but she felt entirely empty inside.

The rules of the house were strict and cruel. Priya and Arjun slept in separate bedrooms at opposite ends of the huge house. They were not allowed to touch each other in front of Vikram, or show any romantic affection. They were forced to live as mere roommates.

When Priya walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water, Vikram was upstairs in the shower. It was their only safe moment.

Arjun was standing by the sink, washing the dinner plates. He still looked breathtaking in his transparent green silk saree and massive jewelry. Priya walked over and stood next to him. She didn't hug him, terrified that there might be hidden cameras, but she leaned her shoulder gently against his.

"You look so tired, Priya," Arjun whispered, continuing to wash the plates so he looked busy, the stiletto heels making him slightly taller than her.

"I am," Priya said softly, her dark eyes looking at his beautiful, heavily made-up face. She saw the glossy red lipstick, the sheer silk, and the incredibly large padding. Her heart broke into a million pieces. "It makes me physically sick, Arjun. I hate sitting at that office, knowing you are here in this house with him. I hate seeing you dress like this for him. I hate seeing you use your beautiful nature to seduce a monster."

Arjun's eyes filled with tears, threatening to ruin his heavy mascara. He reached up and touched the diamond nose stud on his left nostril, his manicured hand trembling slightly.

"I hate it too," Arjun whispered, his voice cracking with pure misery. "Being near him makes my skin crawl. Every time he looks at me, I remember how he used to trap me in the college hallways. I feel so dirty, Priya."

Priya swallowed the huge lump in her throat. She wanted to grab him and run, but they had absolutely nowhere to go. They owed millions. "I am so sorry, my love. I am so sorry I couldn't protect you from this."

"Don't say that," Arjun murmured, keeping his eyes on the soapy water. "This is the only way we survive. If I act like the perfect, submissive prize he always wanted... if I wear these transparent sarees and distract him with my body... it keeps him happy. It keeps you safe. I just close my eyes and pretend I am doing it for you."

Priya closed her eyes and let out a shaky breath, a single tear falling down her cheek. "Our plan is working, at least. We bought you time."

Arjun nodded slowly. It had been Priya's brilliant, desperate gamble on the morning they surrendered. When Vikram had arrived, Priya had looked him dead in the eye and attacked his massive ego. She told Vikram that he could buy their bodies and their time, but he could never buy Arjun's true devotion. She challenged him, saying he wasn't man enough to actually win Arjun over, that he was just a rich bully forcing compliance.

Vikram's arrogance couldn't handle the insult. He had accepted the challenge instantly. He declared that he wouldn't force himself on Arjun; he would wait until Arjun willingly came to his bed, utterly devoted and begging to be his. It was a twisted game of power for Vikram, but for Arjun, it was the only shield he had.

"You are so brave. Just hold on, Arjun. Just survive," Priya whispered.

"I will," Arjun promised, his heavy glass bangles clinking sadly as he washed the last plate. "I will be whatever he wants me to be."