53
SHIVANI
“You know what’s the most romantic thing for me?” Rudra asks, buttoning up his shirt, which covers up his chiseled chest. He’s getting ready for a meeting—an important one.
I’m getting ready too. Maa is taking me with her because she wants a second opinion on the jewelry she’s picked out. It’s for Chachi—her birthday is in a few days.
I like how close they are. No drama, no competition, just pure friendship. I’ve always admired that about them.
“Maybe a hug? A kiss? Cuddles?” I offer, my voice lacing with amusement.
Rudra chuckles, still focused on his buttons. “No, although all those are great.” He turns to face me then, a small smile playing on his lips. “It’s when I catch you staring at me and you suddenly start looking somewhere else.”
My cheeks heat up immediately, and I don’t meet his eyes in the reflection.
“There’s no need to be shy,” he mutters, stepping closer. His warm breath tickles over my temple. “If you don’t look at me, then who will?" He grins and wiggles his eyebrows. "I’m your husband. You’ve got every right to drool over me.”
I let out a flustered breath. “I am not drooling.” I mutter, refusing to meet his gaze. But I can’t really help it. He is ridiculously good-looking.
I steal a quick glance back at him and catch the amusement dancing in his eyes.
“You’re such a sap,” I murmur, trying to suppress my smile.
Rudra steps closer, his gaze locked with mine. “You may not be drooling, but your eyes definitely are.”
He reaches out and gently tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers grazing my skin and sending shivers straight down my spine.
Then, without warning, he leans in and presses his lips to mine.
It’s soft at first—gentle and warm—but I melt into it instantly, my body already responding to his touch.
He deepens the kiss, his tongue brushing against my lips, asking for entrance.
I let him in. I always do. His arms wrap around me, pulling me flush against him, his hands roaming over my back.
My heartbeat stutters.
When he finally pulls away, his voice is a low promise against my lips. “I’m going to make love to you tonight.” He kisses me again, harder this time, more demanding. His hands grip my hips, pulling me even closer. I moan into his mouth, my body molding against his like it was always meant to.
He nibbles on my bottom lip, his tongue coaxing mine into a dance I never want to end. His hands slide up my back, his fingers digging into my skin like he’s trying to brand this moment into my soul. I thread my fingers into his hair, tugging slightly, needing him closer.
He groans into my mouth, then whispers against my skin, “And then I’m going to fuck you.” He nips at my earlobe. “Hard.”
I gasp, every nerve in my body lighting up like fire. He kisses my forehead and pulls back just enough to look me in the eyes. “I have to go. Take care, okay?”
He looks so unaffected by what just happened, like he didn’t just flip my entire world upside down, and I’m still trying to gather myself. He bops my nose gently. “You’ll take care of you for me?” I manage a nod. My voice doesn’t seem to work at the moment.
“I love you, Rudra,” I call after him as he walks out of the room.
He turns, his smile soft and warm, and gives me one last look before disappearing down the hall.
I quickly get dressed, feed Simbu, and rush outside—Maa must be waiting.
I found her near the car, chatting with Madhav Uncle. She’s so sweet. My mother never even acknowledged him. She used to treat anyone outside her and Papa’s circle as beneath her.
Madhav Uncle notices me first as I move near them. “You’re late, Shivani,” he teases.
I smile sheepishly.
“I’m sure it’s my son’s fault,” Maa teases, and they both laugh. A blush spread all over me as heat engulfed me. I don't dare meet their eyes, silently wishing for the ground to swallow me.
“Okay, okay, let’s stop teasing her. Look at her—she’s all red,” Maa chuckles as we slide into the car. Madhav Uncle lets out a laugh and begins driving.
I stare out the window, trying to calm the butterflies still fluttering in my stomach. My lips are still tingling.
We finally arrive at the jewelry showroom, and as we step inside, I’m hit by the glittering display of gold and diamonds.
It’s stunning. Maa calls over the owner, and he brings out the sets she had set aside.
I examine each one—elegant, detailed, and expensive-looking.
It’s hard to pick just one. Some are simple and delicate, others bold and extravagant. All of them are breathtaking, though.
Maa studies each piece carefully, running her fingers over the intricate patterns. She picks up a necklace with a large sapphire in the center.
“What do you think of this one?” She asks, showing me the necklace.
I lean in, admiring the way the sapphire catches the light. “It’s beautiful,” I tell her honestly. “But they all are.”
Maa laughs softly. “It’s not easy, is it? They all have their own charm.” We keep going through the sets, but none of them seem to feel right.
Then I notice something at the back, almost hidden. A full diamond set—necklace, earrings, and bracelet—all matching.
“Have you seen this one?” I ask, pointing it out.
Maa follows my gaze. Her eyes widen. “Oh my god, I hadn’t even spotted that one! It’s gorgeous!”
“See, I told you. Aren’t you glad you brought me?” I grin as she side-hugs me.
“I definitely am,” she grins, still admiring the set. She tells the owner to pack it, and once she’s done paying, we walk out of the store.
“Do you want to do more shopping?” She asks, turning to me.
I shake my head. Shopping’s never really been my thing. “But if you want to, I’ll come with you,” I offer.
The clouds grumble, and we both glance up at the sky. It looks like it might rain soon. We decide it’s better to head home. As we hurry to the car, laughing at ourselves, a loud bang slices through the air.
It takes a second for my brain to register. A gunshot. Fear grips my heart as Maa grips my head.
“Get down!” Someone yells.
Panic explodes around us. People scream, running in every direction. Chaos takes over, and I shake in fear. “Shivani, hurry!” Maa cries, yanking me toward the car. We duck behind it, trying to make ourselves small. My heart is thudding so loud I can’t hear anything else.
Maa manages to scramble inside the car. I’m just about to follow her when I hear another shot.
“Shivani!” Madhav Uncle yells out.
I whip my head around just in time to see him jump in front of me. And then in the very next second I see him lying on the ground; he’s hit. Blood pools out of his wound, and a horrified gasp escapes me.
The sound of another shot echoes as he lies there clutching his chest. “No!” I drop to my knees beside him, everything inside me unraveling. My body shakes violently, and I reach out to him.
“Uncle, no!” I sob, reaching for him.
His face goes pale but calm. “It’s going to be okay, beta,” he whispers, his voice strained. “You’re going to live a good life. I don’t regret anything… Please, don’t cry. Run… run away…”
“Shivani!” Maa’s voice is shrill, full of terror.
But I can’t move. I’m frozen, my hands stained with blood. His blood.
Suddenly, someone grabs my hand. Rough hands wrap around my arms, yanking me back.
“No! Let go of me!” I scream, struggling, but they’re too strong. I twist, kick, and fight with everything I have. “Leave me!”
But no one hears me. Or no one cares. I see Maa rushing behind these people, and I almost shout at her to go away as they drag me towards a van. I keep screaming at the top of my lungs. I don’t stop as I fight against their tight grip, but they don't leave me.
They shove me inside; I feel a sharp prick in my arm.
My vision blurs. My limbs grow heavy. The last thing I see is Madhav Uncle lying motionless on the ground, lips moving in what looks like a silent prayer, and Maa’s face twisted in horror as she screams my name.
Rudra—a half whisper escapes from me. And then—darkness engulfs me.