Kali:

After a moment, Arnav regained his sense and gently distanced himself from me.

"Why can't you act like a girl? This is the reason I don't love you. I yearn for a woman who is nurturing, who cherishes her husband. I don't mean she should be submissive, but she should consider my feelings, unlike you. I am drawn to a woman who blushes at her husband's touch, not someone like you who openly seeks it."

"Why do you get to define a woman's behavior? What's wrong if a woman expresses her love and desire? When a man shows love for his wife, he's seen as romantic and caring. But if a woman does the same, she's labeled as cheap. Why this difference? Why can't a woman be romantic with her husband?" I challenged Arnav, questioning the societal norms imposed on women.

Arnav stared at me for a moment, a sudden spark in his eyes, but he quickly looked away.

"Men are only attracted to such women, not someone like you."

"If you don't love me, why did you reciprocate my kiss? Is it that men lose control when a woman takes the initiative? Does the identity of the woman not matter?" I retorted, challenging his principles.

"That was unintentional. It's not that I lost control of myself."

"Or perhaps it was your subconscious desire? Reflect on it for clarity," I suggested, captivated by his mesmerizing eyes.

Arnav received a call and went off without a word. As I made my way to my office, my personal assistant, Pranay, approached me with a look of concern.

"What's the matter?" I asked, my gaze steady and resolute.

"Madam, we've received confidential information that Kalki is planning to kidnap you. It's also come to light that Kalki only targets women who are virgins, as he dislikes those who have been intimate with others. The only solution we see is for you to get married soon."

I regard Pranay as a trusted friend who has never tried to exploit me and has always been a staunch supporter.

"Pranay, you know that marriage wasn't in my plans until I met Arnav. Now, I can't imagine anyone else but him. But he's not ready to marry me."

"Madam, we're running out of time. You either need to convince Arnav to marry you, or you need to marry someone else."

How could I persuade Arnav to marry me? I don't want to force him into marriage; I want his love, a feeling I've never experienced before. But I won't back down now. He's mine, I claim!

I need to devise a plan to get Arnav to marry me. But would he ever love me if our marriage is the result of manipulation? Love can't be forced. Even if I manage to marry him through force, how would I win his heart afterwards?

"Madam, why don't you confide in Arnav? If he learns about your past and how you were coerced into this Mafia, he might understand. And if you tell him about Kalki, he would surely help you."

"No, Pranay. I want his love, not his pity. He might marry me to save me from Kalki's clutches, but that's not what I want. I want him to accept me as I am."

"Madam, I don't think that's possible. He doesn't even see you as a woman. He wants a gentle and naive wife. Most men prefer a strong woman as a friend or sister, but can't tolerate such strength in a wife."

"A strong man can definitely love a strong woman. Only weak and insecure men desire a naive woman to feed their ego," I retorted.

"And do you believe Arnav is a strong man?"

"He is. I don't believe he wants a naive wife or to control his wife. He needs peace just as much as I do."

"Anyway, I need some space. Please leave."

Pranay exited my room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Arnav may think I'm obsessed with him, but the truth is, I love his kindness, his warmth, and his family. I may not know how to express my feelings, but I love Arnav.

To escape from this mess, I need to marry a man like Arnav. If I fall into Kalki's hands, I'll be trapped in this world of Mafia, bloodshed, and gunfire. But how can I marry Arnav against his will?

My phone rang, and I was taken aback by the caller ID.

"Arnav," I answered.

"Kali, I'm getting married in two days. I know you'll do everything in your power to sabotage it. But this time, you won't be able to do anything because I've planned it in a way you can't even guess.

I've found the woman of my dreams. She's kind, homely, loving, and has character, unlike you. She's not someone who obsesses over a man who isn't related to her. She's a woman who loves her husband.

I'm formally inviting you to my wedding to meet my wife. I hope that at least now, you'll understand how a woman should behave."

Arnav spat out his words, and I remained calm, accustomed to this blame game and harsh words. A woman shouldn't be bold. She shouldn't dare to live her life. She shouldn't choose her life partner. The list goes on. In essence, a woman shouldn't do anything for herself.

I recalled my childhood, when I was taught to shoot when I should've been playing with toys. I was forced to suppress my tears when I should've been pampered by my parents. I was forced to be strong and alone when I should've been showered with love and care. People are quick to judge us without knowing our struggles. If a man is rude, he's considered attractive. If a woman is rude, she's labeled as having an attitude.

Two days swiftly passed, and the day of Arnav's wedding arrived. This time, I made a decision not to stop the marriage. The window of opportunity to persuade him had closed, so I chose to remain calm.

Hi readers, how's the episode? Is Kali going to give up on Arnav? Or would she become a prey to Kalki falling in his inescapable trap? Would Arnav ever understands her and heals her heart?