Bandhan: Veil of Fire
Prologue
A palace ballroom drowning in golden light. Laughter rings hollow as champagne flows like venom. She stands at the center, draped in crimson silk and ancestral expectation. Her eyes—wide, glassy—search for escape, but find none. Her grandparents stand proudly nearby, oblivious to her breaking heart.
someone
You will marry him
someone
For our legacy. For our name
Across the room, he watches her with a face carved from stone. Cold. Unreadable. The infamous, wealthy businessman cloaked in secrets. No smile, no vow of love. Just a signature on a contract and the tightening of a chain neither can see.
A cage, disguised as a wedding
Silent dinner table.
They sit opposite each other. Strangers. Married in name, divided by doubt.
She doesn’t speak. Neither does he.
He thinks she’s after power. She thinks he’s her prison.
Someone
** overhears him on the phone one night **
someone
** voice sharp as a blade **
someone
She won’t get a single penny more than what the contract allows.❄️
Betrayal glints like broken glass
She retaliates. He strikes back.
Rooms become battlegrounds
Whispers of secrets begin to rise
A locked drawer full of files marked Confidential
This marriage wasn’t just about money.
It was revenge.
Rain pours, thunder cracks
A confrontation under the storm
Someone
You married me to settle a score ❄️
someone
And you married me to save your crumbling dynasty ❄️
Silence grows heavy, yet familiar
They keep hurting each other.
But something shifts
He sees her defending his mother from a press scandal.
She finds him tending to his father’s failing health in secret.
Small gestures.
Unspoken care
They begin to unravel each other’s masks.
He sees her strength—fierce, clever, unyielding
She sees his scars—deep, hidden, still bleeding
They touch. Accidentally, then intentionally
A hand brushing hers in the dark
His coat around her shoulders during a late-night meeting.
A stare held a moment too long.
He doesn’t say he’s sorry
She doesn’t say she forgives him
One night—
He finds her in the library, asleep on an ancient book of poetry.
He carries her to bed. Tucks her in.
Watches her like he’s trying to remember the last time he believed in softness.
Another night—
She defends him in front of his board.
He meets her eyes afterward. Doesn’t say thank you. Just nods.
But that nod? It’s a beginning.
Allies to something else.
She smiles at him in the mirror once
He looks stunned.
He forgets to look away.
A slow dance at a charity gala.
No one else in the room matters.
Just their fingers, finally laced.
A kiss—not stolen. Not demanded.
Given.
Tentative.
Real.
Voiceover, soft, like a secret
Someone
We were bound by chains.
But somewhere along the way,
The chains broke.
And I found myself holding his hand instead
Chapter 1
The ticking of the antique grandfather clock echoed ominously through the marbled halls of the Grover mansion. It was the kind of silence that screamed—tense, thick with unsaid words and looming decisions. The house, once a symbol of power and opulence, now stood like a decaying monument to fading glory. Heavy velvet drapes blocked out the sun, and the faint scent of incense hung in the air, failing to mask the staleness of secrets.
Arunika Grover/ FL
** stood at the center of the drawing room **
Arunika Grover/ FL
** clenched her fist**
Her eyes—sharp, stormy, questioning—flicked between her grandparents, who sat on the vintage sofa with the calm detachment of people who had already made up their minds
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
You are marrying him ❄️ ** commanding tone **
Arunika Grover/ FL
** brows furrowed ** Marrying who?
Anjali Grover/ FL grandmother
** placed a delicate hand on Anurag's arm, as if urging him to soften the blow **
Anjali Grover/ FL grandmother
Avyaan Rathod ** said gently **
Arunika Grover/ FL
** blinked ** Avyaan Rathod? The businessman?
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
The Rathods are powerful. Connected. Respected ❄️ ** tone hardening again **
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
This alliance will save our name. Our reputation. Everything we built ❄️
Arunika Grover/ FL
** took a step back **
Arunika Grover/ FL
** heart thudding against her rib cage**
Arunika Grover/ FL
You have already fixed my marriage without telling me?
Anjali Grover/ FL grandmother
** sighed and pressed her lips together **
Anjali Grover/ FL grandmother
It’s done, beta. The engagement is tomorrow. The wedding, the day after.
Arunika Grover/ FL
Are you even listening to yourselves?!
Arunika Grover/ FL
** voice cracked and laced with disbelief **
Arunika Grover/ FL
You want me to marry a man I’ve never met. For what—business? Status? To clean up the mess you’ve made?
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
It’s not a mess, it’s our legacy! ❄️
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
We built this empire from nothing. We won’t let it crumble because of some idealistic tantrum ❄️
Arunika Grover/ FL
It’s not a tantrum
Arunika Grover/ FL
** stepping forward and her voice shaking **
Arunika Grover/ FL
It’s my life
Just then, footsteps thundered from the grand staircase
Kiaan Grover/ FL younger brother
** tall and sharp-eyed, stormed into the room and his usually calm demeanor was gone, replaced by rage **
Kiaan Grover/ FL younger brother
You can’t do this to her ❄️
Kiaan Grover/ FL younger brother
** placing himself protectively beside his sister **
Kiaan Grover/ FL younger brother
This isn’t 1950. She’s not some asset to be traded ❄️
Anjali Grover/ FL grandmother
Kiaan ** stepped forward **
Anjali Grover/ FL grandmother
You know we have tried everything. The debts—
Kiaan Grover/ FL younger brother
We will find another way ❄️
Kiaan Grover/ FL younger brother
** interrupted **
Kiaan Grover/ FL younger brother
Give us time. We’ll figure something out— ❄️
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
There is no time ❄️
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
** cuts him off **
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
The Rathods are our last chance. If this deal falls through, we lose everything. The estate. The company. The reputation. Do you want to be known as the family who defaulted and vanished in shame❄️
Arunika Grover/ FL
** eyes flashed with unshed tears **
Arunika Grover/ FL
So you’ll sell me off to buy more time? ❄️
Anjali Grover/ FL grandmother
It’s not like that ** whispered **
Arunika Grover/ FL
Then tell me what it is
Arunika Grover/ FL
** demanded**
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
** walked toward the fireplace, his hands clasped behind his back **
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
Avyaan agreed to wipe our debts. He wants this marriage. He knows who you are ❄️
Kiaan Grover/ FL younger brother
** scoffed **
Kiaan Grover/ FL younger brother
Yeah, he wants control. Power. And you’re handing him my sister like she’s some bargaining chip? ❄️
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
Enough! ❄️ ** turned sharply **
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
You speak of control? Let me remind you of something, Kiaan ❄️
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
** reached for a drawer and pulled out a folder and Tossing it on the table **
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
You don’t shut your mouth, I’ll make this public ❄️
Kiaan Grover/ FL younger brother
** stepped forward warily, picking up the folder. His eyes scanned the contents, and his face paled **
Arunika Grover/ FL
What is this? ** steps forward**
Kiaan Grover/ FL younger brother
** swallowed hard **
Kiaan Grover/ FL younger brother
It’s... it’s about my company. The funding—some of it’s tied to grandfather’s accounts. If this gets out, I could be ruined ❄️
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
You used our name to start your venture❄️ ** said coldly **
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
And now you’ll do what’s needed to protect it ❄️
Kiaan Grover/ FL younger brother
** looked at his sister helplessly **
Arunika Grover/ FL
** shook her head **
Arunika Grover/ FL
You blackmailed your own grandson just to silence him?
Anjali Grover/ FL grandmother
We’re doing this to protect you both ** insisted **
Anjali Grover/ FL grandmother
Avyaan will keep you safe. He’s rich, stable—
Arunika Grover/ FL
I don’t want rich and stable ** snapped **
Arunika Grover/ FL
I want choice. I want respect
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
** eyes turned steely **
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
And I want to save this family. We’re out of options ❄️
Silence fell. Only the ticking clock marked the seconds that passed like a slow, suffocating countdown.
Arunika Grover/ FL
I won't be happy ** whispered **
Anjali Grover/ FL grandmother
Maybe not now
Anjali Grover/ FL grandmother
But someday, you’ll understand why we did this.
Arunika Grover/ FL
** turned to Kiaan and her voice barely audible **
Arunika Grover/ FL
Should I do this
Kiaan Grover/ FL younger brother
** clenched his jaw **
Kiaan Grover/ FL younger brother
I don’t want you to. But if I speak, he’ll destroy everything I’ve worked for.
It was the cruelest choice: sacrifice herself, or watch her brother fall.
Arunika Grover/ FL
** shoulders slumped ** fine
Arunika Grover/ FL
** whispered **
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
** nodded ** You’ll thank us one day ❄️
Arunika Grover/ FL
No , I won't ** snapped **
And as she walked away, the heavy silence returned. But this time, it was the sound of a soul surrendering to a fate it never chose.
Chapter 2
The rhythmic hum of the city below filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Rathod penthouse. Avyaan Rathod stood still, one hand tucked in the pocket of his charcoal suit trousers, the other holding a crystal glass of scotch. His gaze lingered on the horizon, where skyscrapers clawed at the dusk-drenched sky. The golden-orange hue seemed to mock him—beauty painted over a battlefield.
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
** stepped into the room, arms crossed and eyes laced with concern**
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
They finalized it
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
The Grovers agreed. The wedding is in two days.
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
** didn’t turn around **
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
Of course they did ❄️
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
You don't seem pleased
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
** took a slow sip of his drink **
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
Because I'm not ❄️
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
But this was your idea, wasn’t it?
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
** walked beside him, glancing out the window **
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
To offer them a deal in exchange for marriage? To take control of the Grovers' mess and their crumbling empire?
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
And I did it to end what began a long time ago ❄️
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
** brows furrowed ** Revenge?
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
** bitter smile curled **
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
Redemption. Vengeance. Call it what you want.❄️
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
But Arunika—
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
I know who she is ❄️
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
You think she’s like them?
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
She is them ❄️
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
same blood same legacy ❄️
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
Still, marrying her like this... forcing her into a life she didn’t choose—doesn’t that make us the same as them?
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
** jaw tightened **
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
** turned towards her **
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
** eyes—icy, unreadable—cutting through the dim light of the penthouse **
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
I don’t expect love or affection. This is business. Strategic. A marriage of power, not emotion ❄️
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
And yet you watched her
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
When you met her at that charity gala last year. You didn’t know who she was then, but you looked at her like she was... different
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
** looked away **
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
I saw something in her, yes. Fire. Grace. Defiance. But that was before I knew her name. Before I knew the blood she carried ❄️
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
So now what?
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
Now she becomes my wife ❄️
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
** folded her arms **
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
And if she hates you?
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
** scoffs **
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
Let her. Hate is easy to manage. It’s emotions I don’t need to deal with ❄️
At that moment, the door opened, and Raghav Sen, Avyaan’s most trusted friend and right-hand, stepped inside.
Raghav Sen/ ML bestfriend
Everything’s in place ** handing Avyaan a folder **
Raghav Sen/ ML bestfriend
The legal papers, property transfers, and the NDA. Once she signs, the Grovers lose all claim over you. But there’s something else...
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
** raised an eyebrow**
Raghav Sen/ ML bestfriend
There’s chatter that someone inside the Grover estate is planning to leak details to the media. Possibly Kiaan
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
** gave a cold smile **
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
Then remind him what’s at stake. Quietly❄️
Raghav Sen/ ML bestfriend
** nodded and left the room **
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
** looked at her brother again **
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
This isn’t just revenge, is it? You’re afraid of what she might make you feel
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
I’m not afraid of anyone ❄️ ** said sharply **
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
You are ** whispered **
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
Not of her. But of what she'll uncover—about you. About what really happened to our family
Anaya Rathod / ML elder sister
Do you think she’ll ever accept this?
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
She doesn’t have to ❄️
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
She just has to stay ❄️
And as night swallowed the city skyline, Avyaan Rathod turned back to the glass, staring at his reflection in the blackened window—alone, powerful, and more haunted than he’d ever admit.
Arunika Grover paced the marble-floored corridor of the Grover estate like a trapped tigress. The silence of the house, once a comforting blanket of luxury, now suffocated her. Her heels clicked sharply against the floor, her nerves thrumming with outrage and disbelief.
She could no longer stay silent
Arunika Grover/ FL
** storms into Anurag's study room **
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
** sipping tea with his usual calm arrogance **
Arunika Grover/ FL
I want to meet him ** said sharply **
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
** didn't look up ** You will. On the wedding day ❄️
Arunika Grover/ FL
No. Now
Anjali Grover/ FL grandmother
** seated beside him, set her teacup down **
Anjali Grover/ FL grandmother
Arunika—
Arunika Grover/ FL
I am not some pawn in your power games! If you expect me to marry a stranger, I have the right to know who he is. To see him face to face
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
** looked up, his eyes glinting with unspoken power **
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
You’ll meet him tomorrow evening. You can call it... a formal engagement meeting. ❄️
Arunika Grover/ FL
And what if I say no after meeting him?
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
Then Kiaan’s future ends here ❄️
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
** said flatly **
Arunika Grover/ FL
** froze **
Arunika Grover/ FL
You wouldn’t—
Anurag Grover/ FL grandfather
We already have one foot in the grave, child. Don’t tempt me to push us the rest of the way ❄️
The next evening arrived like a gathering storm. Arunika, dressed in a sleek emerald green kurta set, stood in the private lounge of a five-star hotel where the meeting was arranged. Every nerve in her body was taut as she waited.
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
** walked in like he owned the air itself—charcoal-black three-piece suit, steel-cold eyes, and an aura that made the room feel smaller **
Arunika Grover/ FL
** stood up keeping her spine straight **
Arunika Grover/ FL
You must be the man I’m being auctioned off to ❄️
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
** didn’t smile **
Avyaan Rathod/ ML
And you must be the woman playing martyr in a palace built of lies ❄️
Their eyes locked like two swords
Arunika Grover/ FL
I didn’t agree to this ❄️
Download MangaToon APP on App Store and Google Play
