The chamber was opulent yet oppressive—silk sheets on the massive bed, incense burning, but Nandini saw only chains on the walls and Manik's triumphant grin. He locked the door, turning with predatory slowness. 'Wife,' he purred, shedding his sherwani to reveal a hairy chest and the tenting of his dhoti. 'Time to consummate.'

Nandini backed against the wall, hands clutching her sari. 'Please, Sarpanch ji... Manik ji... don't. This isn't right. I never wanted—'