50 shades of grey
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How is everyone doing?
How's life treating you all?
Mine is a bit confusing right now because I feel like I'm missing my old self.
HAPPY READING??
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He looked at her for a long moment, eyes narrowing slightly.
Devyani gulped.
Her fingers twisted into the fabric of her dress.
"It was very dirty movie," she muttered. "They were doing something... very weird... I got scared and turned it off."
Rivan raised a brow. "I'm asking you something."
His gaze darkened just a little.
"Either you tell me... or I am going to give a very bad punishment to Aradhya."
Her eyes widened. "Why Aru?!"
"She must be behind this."
She looked everywhere except at him.
"Ummmm what?" he said calmly, but there was a firmness now.
He folded his arms. "Baby, I will throw that person out of the haveli. Don't worry."
She narrowed her eyes at him.
"See! I just want to learn things, and you were not there. So I thought I will learn myself. What's bad in that, haa?" she scolded him like a child defending herself.
His lips twitched.
"Oh my baby kitten..." he said with a smile that did not reach his eyes. "Tell me. Which movie? And who made you watch it?"
That smile.
It wasn't soft.
It was dangerous.
She swallowed.
"Movie name... 50 shades... umm... next I don't remember."
His mouth fell open.
Eyes widened.
Her eyes lit up. "Yes! How do you know? You also watched it? You dirty man!"
He blinked. "I am dirty? It's you who watched!"
"Oh... yes... yes..." she mumbled.
He rubbed his forehead.
"Kitten..." he started, then stopped, staring at her like she had just dropped a bomb in his lap.
She suddenly found the floor extremely fascinating.
His voice turned a little colder.
"Who gave you the suggestion to watch this movie?"
She lifted her eyes slowly.
"Ummmm..." she hesitated, then blurted, "Maa told me."??
Silence.
Pure silence.
The kind of silence before a storm.
His expression froze in complete horror.
As if his brain had stopped working.
Devyani watched him carefully.
Did I mess up by saying Maa's name?
But if I took Aru's name, he would throw her out... and he can't throw Maa out because this is her house...
But what if he goes and asks Maa about this?
She bit her lip.
Then her mind worked fast.
No... he will never ask Maa. Good. Aru is safe. Maa is safe.
She smiled to herself, very proud.
Hehe... I am intelligent.
She even giggled softly.
And when she looked up again...
His eyes were still on her.
Dark.
Dangerous.
And completely speechless.
I was smiling and giggling, completely proud of myself, while he stood there looking like he was about to murder someone.
He won't... he is my pookie pati ji... my one and only pati parmeshwar ji, I assured myself.
So I used my ultimate weapon.
I leaned forward and kissed him the all-time anger melter.
But instead of melting...
He pulled back.
Far back.
And looked at me with very serious eyes.
"Did you really watch that movie?"
I nodded.
Then shook my head.
Then nodded again.
His eyes narrowed.
"Who? Maa?" I asked innocently.
He nodded.
Now... I got scared.
But then my brain said Dar ke aage jeet hai thank you to that TV ad for confidence.
So I nodded.
Yes.
And the moment I did...
I saw it.
Real anger.
Not the playful one. Not the soft one. Not the romantic one.
The real one.
Oh no...
I think this should have remained a secret.
Wrong time, Devu. Very wrong time. Very wrong mistake.
His eyes were narrowed, that protective fire flickering in them, but deep down, I knew he wouldn't do anything crazy.
So, I did what I always do when his anger starts. I kissed him again.
This time, though, I went for it harder, just like they showed in that movie the one where the couple's lips crashed together with all that passion, no holding back.
I pressed my mouth to his, firm and insistent, my hands sliding up to tangle in his damp hair.
His grip on my waist tightened instantly, fingers digging in just enough to send shivers racing down my spine.
Ewwww, like every time those little electric tingles that make my whole body buzz, half-scared and half-thrilled.
Our saliva mixed as our lips moved, tongues brushing tentatively at first.
Sometimes I wonder what's the need to mix saliva?
We could kiss without all that sloppiness, right?
But now, after everything he's been teaching me, I'm starting to get it the depth of emotions tangled up in it.
Mixing saliva means it's a good kiss, a real one that connects you deeper than words ever could.
I smiled against his mouth, and he responded by taking my tongue gently between his lips, our tongues colliding in a slow, swirling dance that made him shiver too.
Oh, now after understanding things, the kiss seems so much better like unlocking a secret door to feelings I didn't even know existed.
The warmth spread from my lips down to my belly, making everything feel alive and tingly.
He pulled me closer, erasing the last bit of space between us until our bodies attached fully my bare skin pressing against the thin towel around his hips, the heat of him seeping through.
His chest rose and fell against mine, our wet hairs mingling, droplets tracing paths down our necks.
It was romantic, this closeness, like we were the only two people in the world, wrapped in our own little bubble of steam and whispers.
But then, just as I was losing myself in it, he pulled back his lips, his breath ragged. "Ummm, no, please let's stop here," he murmured, his voice husky but strained, like he was fighting some invisible battle.
My eyes widened in shock.
This is so rude! I just started to enjoy the kiss really enjoy it, with all the swirling sensations and the way my heart was doing flips.
The expression on his face made me gulp those dark eyes locked on mine, intense and searching, a mix of nervousness and restraint that made my stomach twist in the best-worst way.
"Do you... want me to continue, baby?" he asked, his voice low, almost a growl.
Like, are we going to do... that? Now? My mind raced, excitement bubbling up alongside a nervous flutter in my chest.
Shy? Ummm, maybe no I mean, yes, a little, but mostly I was buzzing with this wild energy, like I was on the edge of something huge and wonderful.
My heart beat increased, thumping so loud I swore he could hear it, my breaths coming heavy and uneven as I watched him step in between my parted legs.
He stood there, so close now that the towel brushed against my inner thighs, his eyes roaming over me with that helpless emotion.
"You know I can't touch you," he said, his voice rough, veins popping out on his neck and arms like they always do when he's holding back.
But why do his veins always come out like that? Ewwww, weird they look like they're about to burst, all angry and blue against his skin.
Yet... he looked hot, undeniably so, that raw strength making me clench with curiosity.
Should I pull his towel?
Ummm, should I?
The thought made me giggle inwardly what if I just tugged it off and saw what happens?
No, Devyani, what are you thinking?
Just enjoy this moment.
Ahhhh, yes, I'm using too much brain again, overthinking every little thing when all I want is to feel him, to let go and dive into this romantic whirlwind.
I reached out instead, my fingers tracing the line of his jaw, pulling him back toward me with a shy smile.
"Don't stop," I whispered, my voice breathy, innocence lacing every word as I leaned in for another kiss.
This time, softer at first, romantic and teasing, my legs wrapping loosely around his waist to hold him there.
His hands stayed on my thighs, thumbs rubbing gentle circles that made me squirm, the sensuality building like a slow-burning fire.
We kissed again, tongues dancing lazily, and I felt that weird pain in my abdomen twist into something warmer, more insistent a pull toward him that I didn't want to fight.
He groaned softly into my mouth, his body pressing forward, making my eyes widen in innocent surprise.
"Pati ji..." I murmured against his lips, giggling a little because everything felt so new, so funny in its intensity like we were kids discovering a secret game, but with grown-up stakes.
He chuckled, the sound vibrating through me, pulling back just enough to press his forehead to mine.
"Only because of you, kitten. You're driving me crazy in the best way."
Then suddenly something clicked in my head.
He paused for a second, like he was choosing his words very carefully.
"But when are you going to teach me???"
He chuckled. "It's not like I am going to take proper classes. You'll learn slowly, naturally."
I frowned harder.
He shook his head, amused. "You are more desperate than me, baby."
I crossed my arms. "That movie was weird, so I thought... maybe we also do those weird things."
His expression changed instantly.
"From today no more movies. No TV. Do you hear me?"
He stared at me for a moment.
"Why aren't you feeling shy?" he asked.
"Why do you want me to feel shy?" I shot back.
He blinked. "Umm... no, I mean... yes... I mean..."
Suddenly, I remembered that Kareena Kapoor scene where she acts shy.
His face.
Pure horror.
Like he had no idea what creature he had married.
And I burst out laughing.
Then I realized... my bra was peacefully lying on the floor, enjoying the full view.
And suddenly now I felt nervous.
Not because he hadn't seen me before.
But because this time, I was aware.
I wasn't scared... I just didn't want to feel awkward in front of him anymore. Somewhere along the way, he had become my soft place the one person in front of whom I didn't want to hide.
He noticed my sudden stillness.
"Come here," he said gently. "Your hair is still wet. You'll catch a cold."
Then he picked up the bra from the floor, holding it up slightly, and with the most innocent face said,
And that...
That was the exact moment I understood what real shyness feels like.
I was still perched on the cool counter, my legs dangling a bit, feeling all sorts of tingly from our earlier kisses.
Pati ji stood right there between my legs, so close that I could feel the warmth coming off him like a cozy blanket.
He picked up the bra from where it had fallen, his fingers a little shaky as he held it out to me.
Oh goodness, he gulped so loud I heard it, like he was swallowing a whole apple! His hand went to his neck, scratching it nervously, and I could tell he was trying super hard not to stare.
Poor Pati Ji, he looked like a deer caught in lantern light, all wide-eyed and fidgety.
Of course, he was barely controlling himself but from what? I mean, I could see his shoulders tense up, like he was holding back a big laugh or something even bigger.
But then, as he reached around to adjust the straps, his cold fingers brushed my skin.
Eek! It was like a little ice cube zapping me, sending shivers all the way from my shoulders down to my toes.
I gulped too, my heart doing that flippy thing again.
Now, for me also, controlling these feelings was getting totally out of hand. I didn't know much about all this yet, but I really wanted to learn every question bubbling up in my head, every new emotion swirling like a fizzy drink in my tummy.
It was getting out of control, making me feel all warm and curious at the same time.
He was so careful, standing there between my legs, his face super close to mine as he fiddled with the hooks at the back.
He stepped back a smidge, admiring his work with a proud little nod.
I looked down at myself, the fabric feeling soft and strange against my skin, and suddenly a pout formed on my lips without me even trying.
"But... I don't want to wear it," I whispered, my voice all small and whiny, like a kid who didn't want to put on shoes.
His eyebrows shot up, and he tilted his head, looking all confused and cute. "Why not? Is it uncomfortable?"
"Ummm... because... because nothing," I mumbled, my cheeks heating up like hot rotis on a tawa.
How could I explain? It just felt... restrictive, like it was hiding something that felt free and nice without it. But saying that out loud? No way!
He chuckled softly, that warm sound making my shivers come back in a good way.
"It's okay, don't wear it at night then. You can take it off when you sleep."
I sheepishly peeked up at him through my lashes, my pout turning into a shy smile.
His eyes went wide, like I'd said something super scary, and he waved his hands around in a panic.
I giggled at his terrified face he looked like he'd just seen a ghost in the closet!
"Pati Ji... ummmmmm," I started, twisting my fingers in my lap, my heart pounding with all these new questions dancing in my mind.
"Hmmmm?" he replied, leaning in a little, his voice gentle and patient as always.
" Ummm..."I trailed off again, biting my lip. How do you even ask these things?
'Hmmmm?' He was still there, waiting, his eyes all soft and encouraging.
"Can... I see you?" I finally blurted out, my voice barely above a whisper, feeling like the boldest girl in the world or the silliest.
He blinked, then grinned. "You are already seeing me,kitten. I'm right here!"
"No... I mean..."My eyes accidentally okay, maybe not so accidentally drifted downward, to where his towel was wrapped around his waist. Oh no! What was I thinking? My face must have turned the color of a ripe tomato.
That did it panic flashed across his face like lightning!
He straightened up super quick, his hands flying to adjust his towel as if it might run away.
"Come, baby! Before you become wild, we need to dry off and wear proper clothes!"
he said in a rush, his voice all high and hurried, like he was herding chickens.
He grabbed a soft frock from nearby the one with the pretty flowers and helped me slip it on faster than I'd ever dressed in my life. Whoosh, over my head, ties done in a jiffy.
"There, all covered and cozy!"
Before I could even protest or ask more questions, he scooped up his own things and dashed toward the closet.
I stood there by the door, giggling so hard my sides hurt, peeking in just a little as he fumbled with his clothes in the closet.
He was trying to be all quick and proper, but his towel slipped a tiny bit, making him yelp and grab it like it was on fire and I burst into laughter again.
Oh, my Pati Ji always so funny when he's nervous, teaching me these things one awkward, sweet step at a time.
My questions were still swirling, my feelings all mixed up and excited, but watching him like this?
It made everything feel even more romantic and fun, like our own little adventure in growing up together.
After all that hurried dressing and his funny dash to the closet, he finally emerged, looking all proper in his comfy shirt and pants, his hair still a bit damp and tousled like a playful puppy's fur.
He caught me peeking from the door and gave me that sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his neck again.
He took my hand gently, his fingers warm and reassuring, and led me over to the big, soft bed in our room.
The pillows were all fluffed up, and the blanket looked so inviting, like a cloud waiting to hug me.
"Sit down here, Devyani," he said softly, patting the edge of the bed.
I plopped down obediently, my legs swinging a little as I watched him grab a fluffy towel from the nearby chair.
Oh, my Pookie Pati Ji he was always so caring, thinking of every little thing.
I feeling all warm inside at his fussing. He stood right in front of me, so tall and steady, while I sat there looking up at him like he was my own personal hero from those movies.
He started drying my hair with the towel, his movements slow and gentle, rubbing in circles that made my scalp tingle in the nicest way.
They kept wandering.
It was not my fault. He was standing too close. And the light was making everything look extra clear.
My gaze slipped down for a second.
Then I quickly looked up.
Then again... down.
This is not my fault, I told myself. He is standing in the wrong place. I am innocent.
And now...
Now my brain was slowly understanding.
My cheeks became warm.
Ohhhhh...
So that was what it was.
A thousand questions came to my mind, but none dared to come out.
Why are boys built so differently? What exactly is there? What does it look like?
For one second, I imagined myself asking
I almost gasped at my own thought.
No no no, Devu! He will faint on the spot. Don't say such things.
I bit my lip and tried to act normal.
But inside, my mind was full of curious thoughts, running in circles like a small kitten trying to understand a mysterious new thing wanting to know... but not knowing how to ask.
how men are built all sturdy and mysterious down there, but... how exactly?
What does it look like up close?
Is it like a little hidden treasure or something soft and squishy? Should I ask him? Oh no, Devyani, that would be too much!
Shhhh... keep quiet, I told myself, biting my lip so no foolish words escaped.
Maybe... when he falls asleep tonight... I could just take one tiny look.
Not to do anything. Just to understand.
Like peeking out of the window to check if the stars are really there.
My imagination started running ahead of me.
What if it looks... different? Strange? Interesting?
And then a memory flashed.
That day... when I had grabbed him unknowingly in panic and felt something unfamiliar. I had thought it was some weird, scary thing.
But now...
Now my brain was slowly connecting all the dots.
Ohhhhhhh...
My cheeks burned so hot I was sure he could feel the heat from where he stood.
Everything was falling into place inside my head like puzzle pieces the confusion, the curiosity, the strange fluttering in my stomach.
I sat there quietly, pretending to be calm, while inside my thoughts were doing somersaults like a curious little kitten discovering something entirely new about the world.
He must have noticed the way my thoughts had drifted far away, because he suddenly paused.
The towel rested on my shoulders like a soft cape as he looked at me closely.
I blinked quickly and shook my head a little too fast, my damp hair flicking tiny droplets of water onto his shirt.
"Nothing, Pati Ji! Nothing at all," I said, nodding so rapidly that I almost made myself dizzy.
Whatever questions were running in my mind... whatever curiosity was bubbling inside me... that was a matter for later.
For the quiet of the night.
When he would be fast asleep, breathing slowly like a gentle bear, unaware of the storm of thoughts his innocent wife was planning to sort out on her own.
No need to rush anything now.
He tilted his head slightly, those warm eyes narrowing with playful suspicion.
"Why? What's going on in that overthinking mind of yours? Tell me... or I'll tickle the truth out of you."
I quickly crossed my arms over my chest, feeling the new bra settle beneath my frock, and gave him my most mysterious smile.
He laughed that deep, comforting sound that always made my heart feel light and safe at the same time.
"Alright, secret-keeper," he said gently. "But if it's something important, you can tell your husband anytime. No judgments here."
Then he returned to drying my hair, his fingers now moving slowly through the strands, untangling the tiny knots with so much patience that I almost forgot to breathe.
It didn't feel like he was just drying my hair.
It felt like he was taking care of me in the smallest, quietest way as if every touch carried warmth, reassurance, and something unspoken that made me feel deeply cherished.
By the time he finished, her hair had turned soft and light, falling neatly over her shoulders without a single damp strand left behind.
He stepped back, placing his hands on his hips, looking at her like an artist admiring his work.
"All done," he said with quiet pride. "No cold for you tonight. Now... should we hide under the blanket Or are there more secrets cooking in that head that need whispering?"
"But... we just woke up an hour ago," I said, confused.
He gave me a small look. "I thought you'd want to rest more."
I shook my head quickly. "Nope. Not anymore. Let's go for breakfast."
He smiled faintly. "Yeah... you must be hungry."
As I got off the bed, my eyes automatically went to the sheets.
They were completely clean.
No stain. No mess. Nothing.
I looked at him.
He caught me staring.
"Eyes on me," he said gently. "Come. Let's go for breakfast. And we have an appointment at noon."
I blinked. "Appointment?"
I froze.
"My check-up?"
I nodded slowly, still unsure, and followed him.
When we entered the dining area, almost everyone had already finished breakfast.
Author's POV
They stepped into the dining hall together.
The morning light streamed through the tall windows, falling across the long table where the family usually gathered. Plates were half-cleared, cups of tea still warm, conversations fading as eyes slowly turned toward the entrance.
Rivan's gaze instinctively went to Yashodha.
For a brief second.
Then he looked away and gave the slightest shake of his head.
A silent message.
Not now.
Devyani walked beside him quietly and took her seat, but the tension on her face was hard to miss. Her fingers fidgeted in her lap. Her eyes avoided everyone.
Reyansh noticed immediately.
He leaned forward. "What happened, princess?"
Devyani leaned toward him and whispered dramatically, "Bhaiyyyyyaaaaaa..."
everyone here got their Devu back after months...
Reyansh blinked. "Whatttttt?"
She leaned closer, lowering her voice even more. "He is giving me punishment."
Reyansh's eyes snapped to Rivan. "Is it Rivan—"
Rivan shot him a sharp side-eye.
Reyansh stopped mid-sentence.
Devyani nodded sadly. "Yes. He is taking me to the hospital for check-up."
Reyansh relaxed instantly. "Arre... that's normal, Devu. No need to be scared."
"Yes, Devu?" he replied patiently.
She pouted but didn't argue further.
Because deep down, she knew.
When Rivan decided something, no one in the haveli could change it.
And today... he had clearly decided.
Just when the table had begun to settle back into its usual rhythm, Devyani suddenly straightened in her chair as if an idea had struck her like lightning.
She turned to Virendra.
Virendra paused mid-sip of his tea. "Sure, beta. What happened?"
Devyani leaned forward and lowered her voice dramatically. "Nope. It's a secret. We will discuss it in your room. Okay?"
Now everyone at the table was looking at her.
Curious.
Suspicious.
Amused.
Virendra narrowed his eyes slightly. He knew that expression. That innocent face always meant one thing
Something is definitely cooking in her head.
He hid his smile. "Yeah, sure. We'll talk in my room."
Rivan, meanwhile, had quietly finished his breakfast. He stood, adjusted his watch, and looked at Devyani.
She looked at him with mild panic again.
Before she could protest, he leaned down and kissed her forehead gently.
Then he left.
And the moment he stepped out of the dining hall
Every pair of eyes slowly turned back to Devyani.
Waiting.
Because now they really wanted to know
What secret discussion she was planning with Virendra.
After breakfast, Devyani quietly slipped out with Virendra, announcing it was an "important meeting."
Which, in Devyani language, meant something between disaster, drama, and deep innocence.
Naturally, the entire household followed.
Not openly.
But subtly.
Very subtly.
They gathered near the slightly open door of Virendra's room like a secret audience, pretending they just happened to pass by at the same time.
Inside, Virendra sat on the chair while Devyani climbed onto the sofa opposite him, her face unusually serious.
"See, the important thing is..." she began.
Virendra leaned forward. "Yes,Devu?"
She took a deep breath.
Virendra blinked.
"Why?"
He swallowed. "No, no, I mean... why this sudden thought?"
She nodded very confidently. "Yes, very sudden. Before Maa gets thrown out of the haveli, just give it to her so no one can throw her out."
Outside the door
Yashodha froze.
Payal's hand went to her mouth.
Aradhya and Jinal stared at each other.
Inside, Virendra frowned. "Who the hell is going to touch my wife? I'll bury him alive."
Devyani pointed toward the door dramatically.
Virendra's eyes widened.
Outside, Yashodha's heart dropped.
They all knew Rivan didn't like her.
But throw her out?
That thought alone hurt.
Virendra straightened. "Why will he do that? I'll throw him out before he even tries to touch your Maa! Idiot boy."
Devyani nodded very seriously. "Yes. Very idiot. If he touches Maa, just throw him out."
Virendra stared at her, confused beyond words. "But why will he do that?"
Devyani leaned closer and whispered, as if sharing classified information.
A pause.
Then she added with full confidence
Author's POV
Outside the half-open door, four women stood like silent witnesses to a misunderstanding that was growing bigger with every word Devyani spoke.
Yashodha.
Payal.
Jinal.
Aradhya.
All of them had gathered there out of curiosity when Devyani announced an important meeting with Virendra. With Devyani, "important" could mean anything from saving a stray cat to exposing a family conspiracy.
But none of them were prepared for what they just heard.
"But he is soon going to throw her out. Trust me."
The words didn't sound childish.
They sounded... certain.
Yashodha's fingers slowly tightened around the edge of her saree pallu. Her throat went dry.
She always knew Rivan disliked her. His coldness, his distance, his sharp silence around her she had accepted it as her fate.
But throw her out?
That was something else.
Something painful.
Something humiliating.
Something that made her feel like an unwanted guest in her own home.
Without saying a word, Yashodha quietly stepped back from the door.
Her face had fallen.
Her eyes had turned glassy.
She didn't want to hear anything more.
Payal immediately noticed and followed her. Jinal too walked behind her quickly.
"Badi maa..." Payal called softly.
But Yashodha didn't stop.
She walked toward another room slowly, her steps heavy, her heart heavier.
Jinal placed a hand on her shoulder. "Please don't think like that. You know Devu... she mixes things up."
But Yashodha gave a faint, broken smile. "Childish words still come from somewhere, Jinal. She must have seen something... felt something..."
Payal shook her head. "Bhaiyya can be rude, but he won't do this. Never."
Yet, the doubt had already entered.
And once doubt enters the heart, logic struggles to survive.
Back near the door, Aradhya remained standing.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
Unlike the others, she didn't feel sad.
She felt... suspicious.
Aradhya hadn't moved.
Something about Devyani's tone... her urgency... didn't sit right with her. So she stayed near the slightly open door, listening carefully.
Inside, Virendra folded his arms, looking at Devyani with narrowed eyes.
"I'll transfer the haveli to Yashodha," he said slowly, "but not until you tell me the real reason behind this drama."
Devyani blinked.
Blink blink.
Think think.
Her brain visibly working harder than usual.
Then suddenly her face lit up like she had solved a world mystery.
"Because he thinks Maa told me to watch 50 Shades of Grey!" she blurted out in one breath. "But Maa is innocent! She didn't tell me. It was Aru! To save Aru I took Maa's name. And now he said whoever suggested that movie will be thrown out of the haveli!"
She finished with a proud nod, like she had just presented a very solid legal argument.
Outside the door, Aradhya's eyes went wide.
WHAT?!
Inside, Virendra just stared at her.
Blank.
Utterly blank.
"Why... would he throw someone out... because of a movie?" he asked slowly, trying very hard to understand the logic.
Devyani immediately got up from her chair, walked to him, and bent near his ear.
"Come here... it's a secret," she whispered loudly. "That movie is not a good movie. Very dirty. That's why."
Virendra leaned back, still confused beyond repair.
"But... movie is a movie."
But Devyani shook her head stubbornly. "No. This movie is dangerous. And he is very angry. So before he does anything, we should be safe. Just name this house to Maa. Simple."
Virendra sighed, rubbing his forehead.
"Accha baba, fine. I'll do it. Happy now?"
Devyani's face bloomed into a wide, satisfied smile.
"Yes. Very much."
Outside, Aradhya slapped her palm on her forehead.
"So this whole haveli-transfer drama... is because of that movie?" she muttered to herself.
And for the first time, she truly understood one thing
Devyani's mind was a place where logic went to die peacefully.
Outside the room, Aradhya's heartbeat had gone wild.
Her hands had started trembling.
She told them... she told Papa... about the movie... and she took Maa's name...
"Oh my God..." she whispered, panic crawling up her spine.
If bhaiyya came to know the full truth, if he connected the dots
"Maaaaa..." she gasped softly, eyes filling with fear.
Without wasting another second, she rushed to her room.
Cupboard open.
Bag out.
Clothes stuffed inside without folding.
Toothbrush? Maybe. Charger? Who cares. Survival first.
Within five minutes, she was marching toward Aditya's room with a bag hanging from her shoulder like she was escaping a crime scene.
She barged in.
"Adi bhai!" she said in one breath, trying to sound normal. "Umm... I'm going to Sanjana's place. Can you please take my side? I really, really want to meet my friend very badly."
Aditya looked at her.
One look.
Then at the bag.
Then back at her.
"Where?" he asked flatly.
"She lives in Mumbai..." Aradhya said carefully. "So... you can drop me there, right?"
Aditya slowly put his glass down.
Cleared his throat.
And with suspicious calmness said,
"Hmmmm.....ok I'll help you."
Yashodha was pacing in the corridor, her mind restless, heart heavier than usual.
Her thoughts were tangled.
He hates me... but this... this much?
Before she could calm herself, she saw him.
Rivan.
He had returned perhaps for some forgotten file, some urgent work. His steps were firm, expression unreadable as always.
Her throat went dry.
This was the first time she was trying to speak to him on her own.
Not because of duty.
Not because of formality.
But because her heart felt hurt.
She gathered all her courage.
He stopped instantly.
Not slowly.
Not reluctantly.
Instantly.
His back stiffened.
His jaw tightened.
But he did not turn around.
He just stood there.
Waiting.
"Cry," he whispered. "It will make this more satisfying when he arrives."
The middle-aged man's patience snapped.
He grabbed Jinal by the hair and yanked her upright despite her broken arm.
"Leave her!" Devyani screamed, struggling so violently that the chair nearly tipped.
He untied Jinal's legs only to drag her by her hair across the dusty floor.
Jinal cried out in pain.
Before she could balance herself
He slammed her head against the concrete.
The sound echoed brutally through the warehouse.
"JINALLLLLL!" Devyani's scream tore from her throat.
Jinal let out a sharp cry, her body going limp for a second before she tried to push herself up again with her good hand.
The man laughed.
Not loud.
Not wild.
But cold.
Cruel.
"Wow," he mocked. "Scream. Scream louder."
He grabbed Jinal again and forced her face toward Devyani.