（7） Dirty things came up
Night had settled heavily over the mansion.
Outside, the entire house was drenched in extravagant decorations.
Warm golden lights shimmered against deep red drapes, and the air buzzed with elite guests, family members, and the constant murmur of high-profile conversations.
Right in front of the stage, a swarm of reporters and media personnel stood impatiently, cameras poised, all waiting for one moment-
The arrival of Atharva and Maya.
And then... they appeared.
Hand in hand, they entered together, both wearing faint, controlled smiles. Instantly, a storm of camera flashes exploded in their direction. The harsh white lights fell over them like lightning.
Maya instinctively lifted her hand to shield her eyes.
"So many lights..."
Atharva turned his head slightly toward her, his gaze calm but edged with authority.
"You're Maya Atharva Raisinghani now. Better get used to the spotlight."
Maya slowly lowered her hand and glanced across the crowd. Her expression remained composed, but her eyes were searching. Through the sea of faces, her gaze landed on Kabir, Arun, Anvi, and Priya. They gave her subtle nods of reassurance.
Maya responded with the faintest acknowledgment... then straightened and took her place beside Atharva on the stage.
The flashes intensified.
From a little distance-
Veer let out a low whistle.
"Bhabhi is looking dangerously beautiful, yaar."
Dhruv smirked.
"Yeah... first time I'm seeing someone actually match bhai's level. Otherwise, it's always just bhai stealing the show."
Nidhi raised a brow at them.
"You two are talking like bhai had a long list of girlfriends."
Veer scoffed dramatically.
"He didn't... but imagination naam ki bhi koi cheez hoti hai. We mentally shipped him with everyone."
Dhruv and Veer exchanged a quick wink, clearly amused.
Meanwhile, the reporters pushed forward.
Reporter 1 leaned toward the mic.
"So, ma'am... may we know your full name?"
Reporter 2 quickly added,
"Yes, because according to our sources... you are not the bride he was originally supposed to marry."
For a fraction of a second, something unreadable flickered in Maya's eyes.
But then she smiled - smooth, controlled.
"Yes. I am not her. I am Maya Raghuvanshi."
Beside her, Atharva's lips curved into a faint, dangerous smile. He glanced once at Maya... then faced the media.
"My wife has quite an impressive sense of humor."
A deliberate pause.
"Her real name is Maya Atharva Raisinghani."
For a brief moment-
Their eyes locked.
Both smiling.
Both lying.
Both perfectly aware of it.
Reporter 1 cleared his throat.
"Sure, sir. Well... we'd like some close pictures of you both. May we?"
Atharva nodded smoothly.
"Sure."
Before Maya could react, his arm slid around her waist and pulled her sharply closer.
Too close.
Maya stiffened slightly. From the outside, it looked romantic. Intimate. Perfect.
Inside... her pulse faltered.
Her eyes flickered toward the family standing behind the cameras. Everyone was watching.
She leaned closer to Atharva, her voice low and tight.
"Atharva... everyone is watching. What are you doing?"
His grip only tightened.
"Let them watch," he murmured near her ear.
"You're my wife. The world should know."
And he pulled her even closer.
From the side-
Anvi whispered dramatically,
"Oho... romantic jiju."
Priya smiled softly.
"Honestly... looking at them, it doesn't feel like this was a forced marriage. They actually look cute together."
Anvi nodded.
"True. Very true."
For quite some time, the photo session continued. Influential businessmen, extended relatives, social elites-everyone took turns greeting them. The function flowed in a blur of lights, smiles, and calculated appearances.
After a while-
Atharva moved to one side, engaged in a serious conversation with a group of powerful guests.
On the other side, Maya stood with Anvi, Priya, Nidhi, Veer, and Dhruv. The group was unusually relaxed, laughing over something trivial. For a few moments, the weight of the evening seemed lighter around them.
Still...
Even from across the crowd, Atharva's gaze kept drifting back to Maya.
Again.And again.
Anvi tilted her head playfully.
"So... you four must be spending a lot of time together these days?"
Veer, Dhruv, Maya, and Nidhi all glanced at each other-
-and then, in perfect unison-
"Yes. A lot."
The four of them burst into laughter immediately after.
From the side, Atharva noticed. His eyes narrowed just slightly.
Priya folded her arms teasingly.
"Why? Didn't you like our di?"
Veer shook his head quickly.
"Who wouldn't like bhabhi? We just... didn't get enough time yet."
Maya added softly,
"Yeah... the circumstances were such that we couldn't really spend much time together."
Before the moment could stretch further-
Nidhi suddenly clapped her hands.
"Okay! Picture time. Perfect for Instagram."
Everyone instantly agreed.
Within seconds, they were huddled together, laughing, adjusting positions, and clicking a flood of group photos-
While somewhere in the crowd...
Atharva Raisinghani kept watching Maya.
Dhruv leaned forward eagerly.
"Now I need a solo picture with bhabhi. I'm posting it. By the way, bhabhi... what's your social media account? I'll tag you too."
Before Maya could respond, Anvi jumped in casually,
"She doesn't have one. That's why she didn't know anything about Atharva jiju."
Veer's brows shot up.
"Strange. In this day and age? Anyway... no problem. We'll drop it on WhatsApp too."
Priya smiled warmly.
"Well, we all have accounts. Now that we're relatives, we should exchange."
Anvi nodded quickly.
"Yes, add me too."
Veer pulled out his phone.
"Yeah, sure. Here... note it down."
Maya exchanged a small, knowing smile with Anvi. The silent understanding passed between them instantly.
A moment later-
Dhruv clapped lightly.
"Nidhi, come on - take my picture with bhabhi."
Maya stepped forward with a polite smile.
Dhruv stretched his arm out awkwardly.
"Bhabhi... this pose?"
Maya suppressed a laugh, lightly holding his arm.
"Okay..."
More pictures followed. Veer took his turn too, pulling Maya into a few friendly frames.
From a distance-
Atharva stood near the bar, a glass in his hand, watching everything.
But there was nothing casual about his gaze.
His eyes were dark.
Unreadable.
Dangerously focused.
Beside him, Rajvendra slowly noticed where Atharva's attention was locked - solely on Maya.
He cleared his throat deliberately.
"Atharva... Mr. Chauhan-"
No response.
Rajvendra was about to repeat himself when Atharva abruptly set his glass aside.
"Excuse me."
And without another word, he started walking toward Maya.
Meanwhile-
Veer stood extremely close to Maya, showing her the pictures on his phone while the others crowded around, laughing and commenting.
Suddenly-
A firm hand gripped Maya's back.
Atharva's low voice slid between them.
"So, biwi... enjoying?"
The effect was immediate.
Everyone straightened at once.
Maya turned her head slightly, her smile tight.
"I was... until you arrived. Now all the enjoyment is gone."
Atharva's fingers pressed lightly into her waist - a subtle warning wrapped in intimacy.
"It's okay," he murmured smoothly.
"I'll give you more than that."
Maya's brows pulled together.
"What? What do you mean?"
His gaze held hers - slow, deliberate.
"Let's go to the room first."
Around them, the others suddenly became very interested in anything but the couple, hiding their smiles and looking everywhere else.
Maya blinked in disbelief.
"What? Why? I just started spending time with everyone and now you want me to leave?"
Atharva tilted his head slightly.
"You are coming on your own... or should I carry you?"
Maya shot a quick glance at everyone watching, then looked back at him with a sharp glare.
"You think I'm crazy enough to trust that threat? In front of this many people, you'll carry me?"
Atharva's lips faintly curved.
"Okay. As you wish."
And before her brain could catch up-
He lifted her straight into his arms.
Gasps rippled through the group.
Only Veer and Dhruv looked entertained - the rest were frozen in shock.
Maya's eyes went wide.
"What are you doing?! Has your brain stopped working? Put me down!"
Atharva didn't even slow down.
"I gave you a chance," he said calmly.
"You didn't listen. And now... I don't feel like putting you down."
With that, he started walking toward the lift.
By now, nearly everyone in the hall had noticed.
Some were shocked.
Some were smiling knowingly.
Some stared in pure disbelief.
The media, however-
They went wild.
Camera flashes exploded rapidly as they captured every second.
And within moments-
Atharva Raisinghani had already walked away, carrying Maya with him.
Anvi nudged Priya with a teasing grin.
"Jiju is quite romantic."
Nidhi shook her head in disbelief.
"Seriously, yaar... didn't expect bhai to be this gutsy."
Dhruv smirked knowingly.
"You clearly don't know bhai yet. Anyway... come on, let's eat."
Anvi blinked.
"And Maya?"
Veer waved casually, already walking.
"Don't worry. Bhai won't let her sleep hungry."
---
Meanwhile...
Atharva carried Maya straight into the bedroom and finally set her down on the edge of the bed. Without a word, he turned and walked toward the door.
Click.
The lock slid into place.
Maya immediately stood behind him, irritation flashing across her face.
"Why do you overdo everything in front of everyone?"
Atharva said nothing as he finished locking the door.
Maya's voice sharpened.
"Answer me. What were you trying to prove by picking me up in front of everyone?"
He turned slowly.
Then stepped close - too close.
"That you are my wife," he said quietly. "And that you belong to me."
Maya's brows snapped together.
"Belong? Wife? Don't tell me you've started taking this marriage seriously."
A faint, dangerous smile touched his lips.
"The marriage is real," he said evenly. "So of course I'll take it seriously. Why? Do you have doubts?"
Maya let out a dry breath.
"No. Actually, why did I even expect a normal reaction from you? You're Atharva Raisinghani. Until you show off, how would your ego be satisfied?"
In one smooth motion, his hand slid around her waist and pulled her closer.
"Then why," he murmured, voice lowering, "were you taking pictures standing so close to them?"
Maya frowned.
"I wasn't standing with strangers. They're family. And why does it bother you so much?"
His fingers slowly traced the curve of her lips - deliberate, claiming.
"Why shouldn't it?"
Maya immediately caught his wrist, pushing his hand away.
"Atharva, move your fingers. Don't touch my lips."
A quiet sound of amusement left him.
Instead of arguing, his hand moved to the pin securing her pallu.
"Mmm-hmm..."
Before she could react-
He pulled the pin free and tossed it aside.
Maya's eyes widened.
"Did you-"
Her words died.
Because in the next second, he caught the edge of her pallu and slid it away.
The soft fabric slipped from her shoulder... then down...
Until her saree loosened and fell away from her body.
Maya stood frozen - now only in her blouse and petticoat.
Her breath hitched.
Instinctively, she crossed her arms over her chest and quickly turned away.
"Atharva! What are you doing? Give me my saree!"
But he was already behind her.
Close enough that she could feel his warmth.
He gently swept her hair to one side... and his fingers slowly traced down the bare skin of her back.
A shiver ran through her despite herself.
"I'm only doing this with you," he murmured near her ear. "Watch closely."
Maya spun around angrily and shoved both palms against his chest.
"Stay away from me."
Atharva took one deliberate step back.
For half a second, she thought she had won.
Maya immediately turned to leave-
But in a flash, his hand caught her wrist. He pulled her back, turned her around, and twisted her arms behind her.
Her back hit the wall softly.
Now-
Her cheek was near the wall.
Her back pressed against Atharva's chest.
Her breathing turned uneven.
Atharva lowered his face slightly, inhaling the faint scent of her hair.
"So much anger in front of me," he murmured darkly.
"But you had no problem when they were touching you?"
Maya's head jerked slightly.
"Atharva, what nonsense are you saying? Now you have a problem with Veer and Dhruv?"
His lips moved closer to her ear, voice turning possessive.
"Not only them... but the girls too."
A pause.
"You are mine. Completely mine."
Before she could react-
His fingers reached the hook of her blouse.
And opened it.
Maya's breath broke into sharp, uneven gasps.
In the next instant, he spun her to face him and lifted her wrists upward, holding her in place.
Her blouse was now loose... barely held in place only because of how close he was standing.
One single step back from Atharva-
-and the fragile barrier between fabric and skin would disappear.
Maya's breath hitched sharply.
"Atharva! Let me go!"
His eyes darkened, voice low and deliberate.
"You know if I step away... you'll be half naked."
Maya's chest rose and fell rapidly as she struggled to steady herself.
"So what? You've already seen enough. Let me go..."
A slow, dangerous curve touched his lips.
"Is that so?"
Before she could react-
He lifted her wrists and secured them to the overhead handle.
Maya's eyes flew wide.
Atharva stepped back unhurriedly, shrugging off his coat and tossing it aside. Then, with maddening calm, he began unbuttoning his shirt.
By the time the last button came free-
Maya's loose blouse slipped down and fell.
She froze.
Half-naked... standing exposed before him.
Her eyes shut tightly, and she turned her face away, breath trembling.
Atharva's gaze moved slowly - from her face... to her chest... down the soft line of her stomach.
A long, heavy silence filled the room.
Then-
"What happened?" he murmured. "You just told me to step away. Now that I did... why turn your face?"
He slid his shirt off completely.
Maya kept her face turned, voice barely steady.
"Untie me... please."
Instead of answering, Atharva stepped closer.
Too close.
His fingers moved to the knot of her petticoat - and with one smooth motion, he loosened it and let it fall away.
Maya's eyes snapped toward him, shock flashing across her face.
"Atharva... you're going too far."
His gaze held hers, dark and unyielding, as his fingers moved to the delicate string of her remaining barrier,Her undergarments..
"I haven't done anything yet."
Maya's eyes widened.
For a brief second, Atharva shifted as if to step back.
And suddenly-
"Please don't go..."
The words slipped out of her before she could stop them.
A faint, knowing smile appeared on his lips.
"Then how will I look?"
He dragged a chair forward and sat directly in front of her.
Maya stood there - completely exposed now, completely naked,eyes squeezed shut, face turned away, breathing unevenly.
Atharva watched her slowly... deliberately... from head to toe.His eyes were looking Her face, her neck, her chest, her belly, her lower belly and her thighs continuously..
Even without looking-
She could feel his gaze on her skin.
It burned.
After a few moments, he rose from the chair and stopped right in front of her.
"How are you feeling, Maya?"
She couldn't answer.
His hand came to rest lightly on her thigh.
A sharp shiver ran through her body. Her eyes shut even tighter.
His fingers moved slowly along her skin.
"I want to feel every part of you...My orange"
Maya's voice came out strained and low.
"Atharva... please... don't do this."
His expression hardened slightly.
"You should have thought about that before taking such close pictures with others."
His hand slid higher, lower belly is getting touched by his hand.
Maya shook her head weakly.
"No... please stop..."
But he didn't stop.
His palm brushed over the soft curve of her below stomach line... then moved upward.
Maya's voice broke as she finally looked at him, eyes glossy with unshed tears.
"Atharva... please... I won't get close to anyone. I promise."
His hand paused near her chest.
"Nope," he said quietly. "Say something that actually convinces me... then I'll stop."
And then-
He pressed lightly.
A sharp gasp tore from Maya.
"Ahh-"
His voice dropped instantly.
"Don't make noises, biwi... or I might lose control."
Maya looked at him through shaky breaths.
"And what are you doing right now? Is this your idea of control?"
"Yes," he replied evenly. "I am in control."
Her voice softened, almost pleading now.
"Please... let me go, Atharva..."
"I told you," he murmured, "convince me."
His hand began to move lower-first touched her belly, and then moved to the lower belly part..his fingers were moving around her....part!...And suddenly he inserted his finger...
Maya's body tensed violently.
A broken cry escaped her lips. She screamed..
"Shhh," he warned softly. "Not a sound."
Tears finally spilled from Maya's eyes as she looked at him helplessly.
"Please... don't... please..."
For the first time-
Atharva's gaze shifted fully to her face.
To the tears.Something flickered in his eyes.The room fell silent.
Then slowly... deliberately...
He withdrew his hand.
Without a word, he untied her wrists and stepped back, putting distance between them.
Maya lowered her head in burning embarrassment and quickly moved toward her saree.
Behind her-
Atharva's voice stopped her.
"Aan.aa... go to the closet just like that."
Maya wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes and glanced back slightly.
He was watching her.
Slowly... deliberately... licking his fingers, his gaze is openly seductive.
Her throat tightened.
Without saying a word, Maya turned and walked toward the closet.
Atharva's eyes followed her every step... until she disappeared from view.
Only then did he bring his fingers closer, inhaling deeply. His eyes slid shut.
"Fuck... this smells so good. Fresh."
With that, he turned and walked into the bathroom.
---
Maya, meanwhile-
What had just happened refused to leave her mind.
Her hands moved mechanically as she dressed, but her body still burned with the memory of his touch. Every nerve felt hyper-aware... unsettled.
The moments kept replaying in her head.
Maybe...Maybe this was the first time anyone had ever touched her like that.
Her body felt strangely cold.
Her lashes barely blinked - as if she had forgotten how.
After a while, fully dressed, Maya stepped back into the room.
Atharva was sitting casually on the couch, wearing only his lower. His hair was damp and messy, water still clinging to the dark strands. A phone rested in his hand, and food was laid out on the table in front of him.
Maya quietly closed the door and started walking toward the bed.
Atharva looked up.
"Come. Eat with me."
Without looking at him, Maya replied flatly,
"I'm not hungry."
His voice hardened slightly.
"Maya. I said come. And this is my last warning."
For a brief second, Maya closed her eyes.
Then silently... she walked over and sat beside him.
Atharva studied her face for a long moment before calmly serving food onto a plate and holding it out to her.
"Hm. Eat."
Maya stared at the plate.
Her fingers tightened.
And in the next second-
She flung it away.The plate clattered loudly across the floor.
Atharva looked at her sharply.
Maya's restraint finally shattered.
She turned toward him, eyes blazing, face flushed with anger.
"Why are you doing all this? Why did you do that to me?" Her voice trembled with fury. "Till today I never even let anyone come close to me... and you- you ruined everything in one moment. By force. Why?"
Atharva watched her carefully.
Her eyes were red.Her cheeks flushed.Her breathing is uneven.
Calmly, almost coldly, he replied-
"That was your punishment, biwi. Next time, you'll think a hundred times before getting close to anyone."
Maya stared at him in disbelief.
"Who was I close to? They're my best friends, my sister, your brothers! Who exactly were you so threatened by?" Her voice rose. "And fine - if you had an issue with your brothers, I would still understand. But girls? Seriously? You had a problem with girls too?"
Atharva shifted closer.
Slowly, he tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear... his touch deceptively gentle.
Then his palm came to rest lightly against her cheek.
His voice dropped - soft, possessive, dangerous.
"I have a problem with every person who is not me."
His thumb brushed faintly along her skin.
"Only my hands... my fingers... my breath... my lips... are allowed this close to you."
His eyes locked onto hers.
"Only I have the right to touch you. Anyone else - family, boy, girl... anyone - I will not tolerate it."
Maya whispered bitterly,
"This is called madness."
"Call it whatever you want," he replied evenly.
Then he leaned back slightly, his expression turning cold again.
"But from your head to your toe... you belong to me."
A pause.
His next words came out quieter. Darker.
"And the ones who touched you..."
His jaw tightened faintly.
"They'll be punished too."
Maya's eyes widened.
"What? You already did whatever you wanted with me. Now why do you want to drag them into this?"
Atharva's lips curved slowly.
"Okay," he said smoothly. "Accept one condition... and I won't punish them."
Maya let out a hollow, sarcastic breath.
"Yeah, right. Even though this wasn't enough for Atharva Raisinghani, was it?" Her eyes flashed. "You've always been the 'dil maange more' type."
In a sudden movement, Atharva leaned in close - so close his breath brushed her skin.
"Fuck, biwi..." he murmured, voice thick and dangerous. "You are so seductive."
His gaze dropped deliberately to her lips.
"Do you know why I'm not kissing you?"
Maya lifted her chin stubbornly.
"Because I don't want you to."
A soft, knowing smile appeared on his face.
"You don't want to?" His eyes locked onto hers. "You stopped me just now?"
Maya's brows tightened.
"Then?"
His voice dropped lower.
"Because if I start kissing you... I won't be able to control myself."
A pause.
"And right now... you can't handle me."
The air between them turned heavy.
Their faces were inches apart... breaths colliding... eyes locked in a silent, heated standoff.
And then-
Knock. Knock.
The sound shattered the moment.
Maya immediately pushed Atharva away and hurried to the door.
She opened it-
And froze.
Anvi, Priya, Nidhi... along with Veer and Dhruv stood outside.
Maya blinked.
"You all?"
Veer grinned casually.
"Yeah, bhabhi. These two had to leave, so we came to say goodbye."
Dhruv leaned slightly.
"Bhai is inside, right?"
Maya instinctively glanced back.
Atharva calmly picked up his shirt from the side and slipped it on as if nothing had happened.
Maya stepped aside.
"Yeah... come."
They all walked in together.
Anvi and Priya's eyes immediately began scanning the room.
"Woow... so beautiful..."
And then-
Their gaze fell on the bed.
The saree tossed carelessly.
The fallen petticoat.
The broken plate on the floor.
Food scattered.
All four exchanged looks.
Maya's heart nearly jumped out of her chest.
"Ah... that... I just threw my saree here and there. I'm such an idiot," she rushed out nervously.
Quickly, she picked up the saree and petticoat, subtly searching for the missing undergarment - but it was nowhere in sight.
Her fingers tightened briefly.
She shoved the clothes into the nearby cloth box and forced a smile.
"Sit, na. Why are you all standing? It got a little messy... but otherwise it's perfect."
Veer raised his hands lightly.
"It's okay, bhabhi. Feels like we came at the wrong time."
Anvi bit back a smile.
"Yeah... you guys enjoy. We'll leave."
Maya stepped forward quickly.
"Arre- no, it's not like that-"
They all just smiled knowingly.
Meanwhile-
Atharva sat casually, completely absorbed in his phone... as if none of this concerned him at all.
Anvi suddenly brightened and moved toward Maya.
"Leave all that. First give me a hug. I missed your hugs so much!"
Maya's eyes immediately flicked to Atharva.
His gaze was already fixed on her.
Sharp. Watching.
Possessive.
Maya subtly stepped back from Anvi.
"Ah... I'm very sweaty right now. Your dress will get spoiled."
Anvi frowned in confusion.
"So what? You're acting like we've never hugged before."
Priya laughed lightly.
"Exactly, Maya di. You two have literally slept together. Even showered together many times."
Atharva's voice cut in quietly-
"Achha?"
Maya stiffened.
"Aah... that was before," she rushed. "Right now I just feel awkward. Please... I'll hug you later."
Veer and Dhruv were now clearly trying to piece things together.
Anvi narrowed her eyes, looking between Maya and Atharva.
"Hmmm... room is messy... you're sweating... jiju's hair is wet..." She tilted her head. "What exactly were you two doing?"
Maya's eyes widened.
"Don't think nonsense!" she whispered quickly, then leaned closer. "I'll text you everything later."
Anvi raised a brow.
"Pakka?"
Maya sighed dramatically.
"Haan meri maa."
Anvi finally nodded.
"Okay then. We're leaving. See you tomorrow."
Then she waved playfully at Atharva.
"Bye, jiju."
Atharva simply lifted his hand in a lazy wave.
A few moments later, they all left.
The door closed.
Click.
Maya locked it and let out a long, shaky breath.
Immediately, she began searching frantically for her missing undergarment.
And then-
Atharva's voice came from behind, calm and amused.
"Looking for this?"
Maya turned sharply.
He was holding it.
Her eyes flashed as she stormed toward him.
"Shameless. Give it to me."
He leaned back slightly, unfazed.
"Nah. First eat."
Maya_"I said give it to me. I'm not hungry."
In one swift motion, Atharva caught her wrist and pulled her straight into his lap.
His voice dropped near her ear-
"When are you going to take a shower with me?"
Maya's jaw tightened.
"Never."
She yanked the cloth from his hands and turned to leave.
But before she could take more than a step-
Atharva caught her by the waist and pulled her back against him.
"Food, biwi..." his voice dropped warningly. "And this time... I'll punish you in a different way."
Maya went completely still.
For once-
She had no reply.
---
A while later, after a tense, quiet dinner, both of them lay down on the bed.
Maya took the far corner.
Atharva the other.
Silence stretched between them... thick but restless.
After a moment, Atharva turned his head toward her.
"Come here."
Maya turned the other way, eyes closed, pretending to be asleep.
Atharva watched her for a long second.
Then suddenly-
He reached out and pulled her straight into his arms.
Maya's eyes flew open.
"What are you doing? Yesterday you slept peacefully, and today what happened to you?"
Atharva's lips are faintly curved.
"Yesterday I hadn't seen you naked," he said bluntly. "Today I have... and I've felt you too."
His arms tightened slightly around her.
"So now... I don't feel like keeping you far."
Maya opened her mouth to argue-
But before she could speak-
Atharva pressed her face gently but firmly against his chest.
"Sleep now," he murmured. "Without saying anything."
Maya stiffened for a moment.
But somehow...
No words came out.
And after a while-
Sleep quietly claimed them both.