Love Turned Into Fear
Later...
The shower water stopped.Aarav stepped out, a towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets slid slowly down his chest. His hair was wet and messy.
The door opened slowly.
Meera stepped in, holding the tray.
"Sir... your dinner."Her voice was quiet but her fingers tightened slightly around the tray.
Her eyes lifted on Aarav.And froze. She just looked at his hot body. Cannot refuse to look away.
Aarav noticed.Of course he did.
A slow smirk appeared on his lips.
"Done checking me out, ms Sharma." His voice came low and teasing His eyes stayed fixed on her, watching every reaction.
Meera's eyes widened immediately.
"I... I wasn't...I didn't look at you like that. It's you suddenly coming in front of me."Her words stumbled out completely unprepared. Heat rushed to her face.
Aarav chuckled softly.
"Then how were you looking? Then why didn't you look away."His tone sharpened slightly, curiosity mixed with amusement.
Meera looked down immediately.
"Iam sorry but I said I didn't. You misunderstand, sir. "Her voice dropped, trying to hold control.
"Where should I keep the food?"
She shifted the tray slightly, trying to move the moment away from her.
"There. On the table ."Aarav pointed casually.
But his gaze didn't leave her.Meera walked to the table and placed the tray carefully.
Then she turned.Ready to leave.
"Leaving already?Aren't you going to ask if I need anything else?"Aarav's voice stopped her.
She froze.Her back stiffened.
"...Do you need anything else, sir?"
"I need you to stop acting like a stranger."Aarav took a step closer.
His voice dropped, more intense now.
Meera turned slowly.
"I'm not acting.This is what you made me now."Her eyes met his, and there was anger there now.Her voice trembled, but she didn't step back.
"...I brought your food. Now i have work . Also there was a pooja for holi. I need to do a lot of things . "Her tone was distant now, almost cold.
Aarav took a step closer.
"You always have work when I'm around. Like you purposely ignoring me."His voice dropped, more intense.
"And you always have something to say . Like we still have something between us . But make sure you know that you don't deserve anything to hear from me."Her eyes met his now, anger starting to rise.
The words slipped out before she could stop them.Aarav's expression changed instantly.
" I think your mouth is bigger than before. You don't know what you are saying in front of who."His voice was quiet now.
Meera swallowed.But she didn't step back.
"You also don't get to come back after years and act like nothing happened. And also you can't talk to me like I am still the same girl who you always control."Her voice trembled, but she held his gaze.
Aarav got his taw tight.
"And you think you've changed?You're still here doing the same work . And the same thing with the same place."
His tone carried disbelief.
Meera's anger flared.
"I stayed because I had no choice.Not because I wanted to."Her voice rose slightly.
"And what about now?Do you have a choice now?"Aarav's voice was dropped. He moved closer now .
Meera opened her mouth
But no words came. Because it's true what he was saying.
That silence irritated him.His hand shot forward, grabbing her wrist.
He pulled her back.
The door slammed shut behind her.
Meera's breath hitched.
"Aarav... what is wrong with your behaviour? what are you doing?"Her voice shook now, fear creeping in.
"Let me go, Aarav .. you can't touch me like that.."She tried to pull her hand back.
But his grip held.Aarav stepped closer.
Meera tried to stopped back.Her heart raced.
"Stop this.Why are you doing this? "
Her voice trembled.
Her back hit the bookshelf.
No space left. Aarav stood in front of her.Too close.
" listen after tomorrow pooja i want you with me. And don't dare to argue with me about this." His voice was low and Calm.
Meera froze. Her eyes widened.
"...What? Do you mind you even in your right mind now? Why would i do that?" she said with a shocked voice.
"I said you have to come to me after the pooja and stay with me.. And please stop pretending you didn't hear it. "His tone turned firmer.
Meera's expression shifted instantly.
From shock To anger.
"What is wrong with you? Do you think this is funny. Move now . Or i shout ." Her voice rose.She tried to push him away.
Frustration building fasts him faster. Aarav caught both her wrists.
Pinned them against the bookshelf.
Meera gasped.Fear now clear in her face.
"Aarav!What are you doing? Let go!. You can't force me like that. I am not your doll." She struggled, but his grip didn't loosen.
Aarav leaned closer to her face. Meera closed her eyes being scared of their closeness.
"You heard me already. And you will what i tell you."His voice dropped darker now.
Meera shook her head and opened her eyes.
"No. I won't do that. And why would i do that for you? And most importantly why do you want this ?"
Her voice turned desperate.
"You don't even talk to me properly after coming here and now you want me to do something for you? No i never do anything for you."Her voice broke instantly.
"I don't owe you explanations anymore. Especially from a maid like you."Aarav's expression hardened.
Here Aarav wanted to hurt Meera . But why could Meera hurt by this. It's her job. She has no shame in it.
"Enough of your drama now . Just do what i say to you . And nicely agree to it ."Then Aarav spoke again.His voice commanding .
Meera shook her head immediately
"No.I said no. I will never do something like that ." her voice trembled.
Aarav leaned closer.
"So you're still the same. Always wants to Arguing. Refusing. Acting like you have control."His tone turned colder.
His eyes locked on hers.
"You didn't like it last night either. But you still danced with me . Even if you don't want it ." His voice dropped even more.
Meera's breath caught.Her eyes flickered with fear.
"Aarav... don't...stay again. It's .."
Her voice weakened.
He saw it.And he didn't stop.
"I don't repeat myself. Just do whatever i told you . Or you know what I can do with you to agree with me. And you know this will not be good for you." His tone was calm.
Meera's resistance started breaking.
Her shoulders dropped slightly.
Tears slipped from her eyes. Because she knew him well . But the part she hurt most was that she was in the same place where he left him. Still can't fight.
"Aarav... please...Don't do this to me. You know I don't want this. Where do I go and what will I go?" Her voice cracked. She asked him that because she knew him very well, what can he do with her.
But Aarav didn't move.
Didn't soften. Her strength slowly faded.Her hands stopped struggling.
"...Fine. I will go . But promise me you will not do anything which I dislike."
Her voice dropped to like broken.
Aarav finally released her wrists.
Her hands dropped instantly.
He lifted his hand to her cheek.
Wiped her tears slowly. A strange contrast to everything before.
"Good , girl. And i promise i don't do anything stupid."His voice softened.
"Now go , sleep.You need to wake up early." his voice was Calm like nothing had happened.
He leaned slightly closer.
"And Meera...Don't make me wait. You know i hate waiting . "His voice dropped again.
Meera pushed him suddenly.Tears still in her eyes.
"Stay away from me. I hate you..i hate myself that once i even love you."Her voice shook.
Anger mixing with fear.
Then she turned.And ran.The door opened.Then slammed shut behind her.
Aarav stood there. Then he wore his clothes and started doing his work.
The Next Morning :??????
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Morning sunlight spilled softly into Aarav's room... but unlike the rest of the house, this room still carried the heaviness of the night before.
Aarav lay on his bed, one arm thrown over on the pillow... his breathing unevenly.
He hadn't slept properly. Not after everything... work ..Meera... Omkar... that stupid challenge... it all kept replaying in his mind.
The clock ticked.
8:30 AM.
The door burst open without warning.
"MR AARAV !" Riddhita's voice echoed across the room, loud and dramatic, hands on her waist, clearly annoyed.
Aarav groaned slightly, turning his face to the other side.
"Five more minutes...Riddhu" he muttered, voice heavy with sleep and irritation.
"Five more minutes? Bhai, it's already 8:30! Pandit ji( priest) is here for the pooja! And you are here." Riddhita rolled her eyes and walked closer to the bed, arms crossed.
Aarav didn't even open his eyes.
"Then help mom... you're only good at that," he replied lazily, his tone dismissive, as if nothing mattered.
"Excuse me? What are you trying to do tell. "Riddhita said and blink disbelief . Her voice was also rising.
"You promised Mom you'd help her today... and now you're just lying here like a log?" she added, frustration clearly in her tone.
No response.Aarav simply adjusted his pillow... and went still again.
Riddhita's jaw clenched.
"Are you seriously ignoring me right now?" she said louder, tapping her foot impatiently.
Aarav still didn't wake up and said nothing.That was it. Riddhita can't take anymore.
"Ohhh, you want to play this game, bhai? Let's see ." she muttered under her breath, eyes narrowing slightly.
She looked around... then spotted the glass of water on the side table.
A slow, evil smile spread across her lips.
"Fine... don't wake up then. And also don't blamed me for this." she whispered.
Next second...SPLASH!Cold water poured straight over Aarav's face and chest.
Aarav shot up instantly.
Riddhita stood there... holding the empty glass... laughing.
"Good morning, sleeping beauty! Sorry it's sleeping handsome." she grinned, clearly enjoying his reaction.
Aarav stared at her for a second... disbelief turning into pure irritation.
"You're dead. I don't let you go easily." he said slowly, dangerously calm.
"...Uh..oh... it's just like a prank."Riddhita's smile froze.
Before she could react, Aarav jumped off the bed.Riddhita screamed.
"Aaaah! It's not my fault . Mom told me to do it!" she yelled while running out of the room at full speed.
Aarav chased after her immediately.
"Come back here, you little... Stupid! Just let me catch you then i will show who you pranked." he shouted, his voice echoing through the hallway.
Riddhita ran straight into her room and slammed the door shut.
CLICK. Locked.
Aarav reached the door a few seconds later and banged on it loudly.
"OPEN THE DOOR, RIDDHITA! IF I OPEN THE DOOR THEN YOU'RE DEAD!!!" he shouted, his patience completely gone.
From inside...
"No! Even if you don't value your life I do value my life!" she yelled back, trying not to laugh.
"You think this is funny? Open the door right now and I might spare you!" Aarav warned, his tone sharp.
"Big lie! You'll kill me!" she replied instantly.
"I swear I will if you don't open this door!" Aarav snapped, running a hand through his wet hair in frustration.
Just then...
"AARAV!"A firm voice cut through the chaos.
Both siblings froze.
Janvi Oberoi stood there... dressed in a stunning red and white saree, her presence calm yet powerful.
But her expression... not calm at all.
She walked toward Aarav slowly.
"What is this behavior? There is pooja and you two again arguing .!!" she said sharply, her brows furrowed.
Aarav turned toward her.
"Mom, she... is the one..." he started.
"I don't want to hear it," Janvi cut him off instantly.
"You are still sleeping at this hour? On the day of pooja? Do you forget today is hoil?" her voice was controlled... but filled with disappointment.
"I didn't sleep well last night because of the work . You know that." Aarav replied, his tone defensive but quieter now.
"And whose fault is that?" Janvi shot back immediately.
"You told me, you would help me today... and now you can't even wake up on time?" she continued, her voice firm.
Riddhita slowly opened her door and peeked out.
Seeing the situation, she quietly stepped out and stood beside Aarav... trying to look innocent.But her lips were twitching.
Aarav noticed.He turned his head slowly... glaring at her.
Riddhita instantly looked away... pretending nothing happened.
Aarav reached out and grabbed a small section of her hair... pulling it lightly but enough to hurt.
"AHHH! Bhai! Mom sees he is hurting your son is hurting me." Riddhita yelped, jumping slightly.
Janvi's eyes widened.
"AARAV!" she snapped, immediately grabbing his ear and twisting it slightly.
"Ow... Mom! .. it's hurting !!" Aarav winced.
"Don't you dare bully your sister!" Janvi scolded, her grip firm.
"She deserved it! Even I can do more." Aarav muttered under his breath, annoyed.
"Say that again?" Janvi raised an eyebrow dangerously.
"...Nothing, mom ." Aarav sighed.
"Exactly . Now go take a shower and come downstairs immediately. Pandit ji is waiting." Janvi said firmly and her tone left no room for an argument.
Riddhita crossed her arms, smirking slightly.
"Yes, bhai. Be a good boy. " she whispered teasingly.
Aarav shot her a deadly glare.
"Just wait . I'll deal with you later," he muttered quietly.
Janvi gave both of them one last look.
"And both of you... behave," she warned before turning away gracefully.
Aarav exhaled sharply, running his hand through his damp hair.
"Unbelievable...this stupid rude my sweet sleep." he muttered, irritation still heavy in his voice.
Without another word, he turned and walked back toward his room.