My destined wife!

I want to suck it

A while later, their car rolled into the mansion’s driveway.

The morning had settled heavily around the house, the air unnaturally still — as if the walls themselves were holding their breath.

Maya stepped inside first, a soft, absent-minded smile lingering on her lips.

But the moment her eyes lifted toward the hall…

Her steps slowed.

The smile died.

Only Rajendra, Suman, Veer, and Dhruv were seated there — stiff, unusually quiet.

The space felt wrong.

Too empty.

Too tense.

Maya’s brows knit together as unease crept under her skin.

“Where is everyone?” she asked, her voice light but confused. Her gaze moved from one face to another. “They haven’t come yet?”

For a brief second, no one answered.

Instead, every gaze slowly shifted past her…

…to Atharva standing behind her like a silent storm.

Rajendra cleared his throat, visibly uncomfortable. “Beta… everyone has already left for their homes.”

The words hit Maya like cold water.

“What?” Her head snapped toward him. “Why? They left without meeting me… without even telling me…?”

Hurt flashed across her face.

She quickly pulled out her phone, fingers already moving.

“I’ll call them right now—”

But before the screen could even light up properly—

Atharva’s hand shot forward.

He smoothly snatched the phone from her grip.

“What will you ask, biwi?” His voice was low… controlled… dangerous in the quiet hall.

Maya turned to him sharply, eyes blazing.

“I’ll ask why they didn’t tell me. And till yesterday the plan was to stay… so how did they suddenly leave today?”

For a moment, Atharva said nothing.

He just looked at her.

Slowly.

Intently.

As if memorizing every flicker of emotion on her face.

Then, very calmly—

“But how could I let them stay…” he said, voice almost silky, “…when my wife had started spending more time with her family than with me?”

The accusation landed heavy.

Maya’s eyes widened in disbelief.

She stepped closer until she stood right in front of him, chin lifted.

“What do you mean?”

Atharva reached forward.

His fingers slid into her hair, gently brushing the strands back from her face — the touch deceptively soft.

Intimate.

Possessive.

“You made me happy last night,” he murmured near her ear, voice dipped in dark meaning. “So I returned the favor this morning.”

His lips curved faintly.

“I called them to settle the account… not to keep them here.”

For a split second—

Silence.

Then Maya’s fists clenched so tight her knuckles turned white.

Rage exploded across her face.

She shoved his chest hard.

“How dare you insult my family!”

The sudden outburst shattered the fragile quiet.

Rajendra, Suman, Veer, and Dhruv immediately stood up, tension snapping through the room.

Atharva’s eyes closed briefly.

His jaw flexed.

When he opened them again—

They were colder.

Sharper.

Maya was breathing hard now, her face flushed deep red with fury.

“In the temple you were doing so much show-off…” she shouted, voice trembling with betrayal. “I thought this stone-hearted Atharva might have — maybe — some soft corner inside…”

In one swift motion, she grabbed his collar, fisting the fabric tightly.

“But I was totally wrong. You will always remain a demon. You can never become a good human.”

Atharva’s gaze slowly dropped… to her hand gripping his collar.

Something dark flickered in his eyes.

The next second—

His hand moved behind her neck.

And suddenly—

He yanked her forward.

Maya’s breath hitched as her face was dragged dangerously close to his, their breaths colliding in the charged air.

The hall fell dead silent.

Atharva briefly glanced toward Rajendra.

The silent order was clear.

Rajendra and Suman quietly walked away without a word.

Only Veer and Dhruv remained — frozen, watching the storm unfold.

Atharva’s voice dropped to a lethal whisper.

“Did I ever tell you… to build such expectations about me?”

His fingers tightened at the back of her neck.

Not enough to choke.

But enough to remind her who was in control.

Maya’s grip on his collar slowly weakened.

Atharva leaned even closer, his breath warm against her trembling skin.

“I spoke to you properly just once…” His teeth clenched slightly. “…and you started avoiding me, biwi. Yesterday with your family… and today as well.”

“What?” Maya shot back instantly, though her voice shook despite her anger. “When did you give me even a second of distance that I would go spend time with someone else?”

His eyes darkened.

“But you were trying very hard to create that distance.”

His fingers pressed deeper into the sensitive spot behind her neck.Maya winced.

“Where did all this sudden freedom come from… hmm?” His voice turned dangerously soft. “Tell me, biwi.”

The pressure… the closeness… the suffocating intensity—

Maya’s vision blurred.

Tears finally spilled from her eyes.

Atharva noticed immediately.

A slow, cruel smirk touched his lips.

“Aa-aa, biwi…” he whispered near her face, voice thick with dark promise. “Save them.”

His thumb brushed dangerously close to her jaw.

“They’ll be useful tonight.”

Disgust surged through Maya like poison.

Her chest heaved.

Eyes burning through tears, she spat with pure hatred—

“You are a disgusting, lustful, low… devil of a man.”

Her voice trembled, but her gaze did not drop.

“I feel sick — from you… even from your name.”

Atharva’s hand came up to Maya’s face.

His fingers pressed into her cheeks, squeezing just enough to make her lips part as he pulled her face dangerously close to his.

His breath brushed her skin.

“Feel as much disgust for me as you want,” he murmured, voice dark and steady. “Call me whatever you like… you can do anything.”

His grip tightened slightly.

“But never leave me… okay, heart?”

Maya’s eyes burned.

“I hate you, Atharva… I hate you like hell.” Her voice shook, thick with pain and fury. “I will never forget that you insulted my family and threw them out of the house.”

A slow, almost pleased look crossed Atharva’s face.

“I won’t let you forget,” he said quietly. “Because I want you to hate me, biwi.”

His gaze turned dangerously intense.

“The more hatred you show me… the more obsession I’ll show you.”

A dark smirk touched his lips.

“It will be fun.”

“Leave me now!” Maya screamed, her voice echoing sharply in the tense space.

For a long second, Atharva didn’t move.

His eyes dragged slowly over her face — from her tear-filled eyes… to her trembling lips… down to the rise and fall of her chest.

Then suddenly—

He released her.

Atharva stepped back and straightened to his full height, his expression once again unreadable.

Maya immediately lifted her hands to her cheeks, wincing at the dull sting left behind. Her fingers trembled as she wiped her tears roughly.

Without looking back, she turned and hurried toward the lift, almost running.

Behind her, Atharva stood still for a few seconds.

His chest rose with one slow, deep breath.

Then he followed her.

---

After they left…

Veer exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair. “Bhai didn’t do right today.”

Dhruv shook his head, troubled. “Yeah, yaar… bhabhi was really hurt. For a second today, it felt like bhai had changed… but now…”

He trailed off with a frustrated sigh.

“I don’t understand him anymore.”

Veer gave a humorless huff.

“He is unpredictable.”

---

Meanwhile…

Maya rushed into the bedroom, the door slamming shut behind her.

The moment she reached the bed, her strength gave out.

She collapsed onto it and broke down completely, sobs tearing out of her chest.

Atharva’s every word replayed in her mind like sharp blades, each one cutting deeper into her heart.

Her pillow was already soaked with tears.

Elsewhere in the mansion, Atharva had gone straight into the study, calmly immersing himself in work — as if nothing had happened.

---

A few minutes later…

Knock. Knock.

Maya’s sobs hiccupped to a stop.

She glanced at the pillow beside her — completely drenched.

Quickly wiping her face with shaky hands, she forced herself up and walked to the door.

When she opened it—

Nidhi stood there.Completely unaware of the storm that had just passed.

“Nidhi… you?” Maya’s voice came out shaky.

For a brief second, Maya just stared at her.

Before she could say anything—

Nidhi suddenly threw her arms around her and broke down.

“Bhabhi… please save me…”

Her body trembled violently as sobs tore out of her chest.

Maya’s heart dropped.

Quickly holding her, Maya pulled her inside and shut the door, locking it firmly. Her brows were already creased with worry.

“Nidhi… what happened? Why are you crying? And who do you need saving from?”

Nidhi slowly pulled back, her face pale, eyes swollen with fear.

“Bha… bhabhi…” Her lips trembled. “I… I am pregnant.”

For a moment—

Everything inside Maya went still.

Her eyes widened in pure shock.

The words hit her like a mountain collapsing over her head.

“Wh… what are you saying?”

Nidhi nodded weakly, tears spilling again. “It’s true… Today when I felt dizzy and started vomiting… after you all left, I checked…”

Her voice broke.

“And I am pregnant now…”

Maya immediately guided her to the couch and made her sit.

“Shit…” she muttered under her breath, trying to process. Then sharply, “But how did this happen? Who is he?”

Nidhi covered her face, crying harder.

“He’s my college senior… On fresher party day he proposed to me. He was handsome… the whole college had a crush on him… so I said yes…”

Her voice faltered midway.

“But after the proposal… he started…” She stopped, shame and fear choking her words.

Maya’s expression tightened but she stayed silent, letting her continue.

“I didn’t feel wrong at that time… because I was serious about him…” Nidhi whispered brokenly. “But somehow… I got pregnant…”

Her breathing turned uneven.

“And the moment I told him… he got furious… abused me badly… and backed out…”

Fresh sobs ripped through her.

“Now where will I go, bhabhi? I can’t tell anyone…”

She broke down completely.

Maya’s face softened despite the tension in her eyes. She gently rubbed Nidhi’s back.

“Hey… hey… calm down first. Just breathe… slowly.”

After a few moments, Maya asked quietly, “So what do you want to do about the baby?”

Nidhi didn’t hesitate.

“Abortion!” she said desperately. “Otherwise my life will be finished. You don’t know mama ji, mami ji… and the others… along with that boy, they’ll kill me too…”

Her voice dropped to a terrified whisper.

“And my parents… they won’t survive this shock…”

Maya wiped her tears carefully.

“Don’t panic,” she said firmly. “We’ll go to the hospital today itself. We can’t delay this.”

Nidhi’s eyes filled with fresh worry.

“But what if someone finds out? And you’re not even allowed to go out… I can’t do this alone…”

Maya fell silent.

She began pacing slowly across the room, mind racing.

Seconds passed.

Then she stopped.

“Listen,” she said decisively. “You get ready and go wait near the car… a little far from the house. I’ll manage somehow and come. Okay?”

Nidhi nodded quickly, clinging to that hope.

Within moments, she hurried out of the room.

The door clicked shut behind her.

Silence returned.

Maya stood still for a few seconds, deep in thought.

Then she moved toward the closet.

Her fingers pulled out a silver silky nighty.

Moments later, she slipped into it.

The fabric clung to her frame — soft, fluid, dangerously eye-catching. She left her hair open, pushing it to one side of her shoulder.

Her face was calm now.

Too calm.

Maya picked up her phone and dialed.

“Where are you?”

Atharva’s deep voice came from the other end. “Study.”

“I am coming.”

The call ended.

Maya took one slow, steady breath.

For now… she had pushed aside everything that had happened between them.

Right now, only Nidhi’s frightened face was flashing in her mind.

A faint, deliberately seductive smile curved Maya’s lips.

Then she walked toward the study.

—

Inside the study, Atharva lifted his gaze lazily toward the door as it opened.

His eyes paused.

Darkened.

Maya stood there in the silver nighty.

For a long second, his gaze traveled slowly… deliberately… from her face… down… and back up again.

And Maya—

With the same calculated seduction—

Started walking toward him.

Maya knew one thing very clearly.

If even a trace of her earlier tension showed on her face… if Atharva sensed even a hint of what was really going on in her mind…

He would never let her leave.

He would never give her space.

And right now — she needed him distracted.

Completely.

That was why she had walked in like this… dressed like this… smiling like this.

—

A moment later, Maya reached him and slowly turned his chair toward herself.

Placing both her hands on either side of him, she leaned in slightly.

“Hieee, hubby…”

Atharva’s gaze lifted — and then slowly dragged down her body.

From her face…

To her collarbone…

To the dangerously visible curve of her chest as she leaned forward.

His eyes stopped there.

Dark.

Focused.

Unmoving.

A faint, knowing smile curved Maya’s lips.

She gently caught his chin between her fingers and tilted his face up toward hers.

“Did u enjoy?” she teased softly.

Atharva’s eyes flicked back to her face, sharp and probing.

“What do you want, biwi?”

For a second, Maya just looked at him.

Then — deliberately — she climbed onto the table right in front of him, sitting there with slow, calculated ease.

The silky fabric of her dress shifted upward slightly as she adjusted herself.

Atharva’s gaze didn’t miss a single movement.

It moved over her body slowly…

Thoroughly…

Like a silent scan.

Maya tilted her head innocently.

“I want to go shopping.”

Atharva watched her face for a long, measuring second.

Then without a word, he opened the drawer, pulled out his card, and placed it on the table.

“There’s no limit on this,” he said coolly. “Buy whatever you want.”

A brief pause.

“But you’ll shop online only. You’re not stepping outside the house.”

As he spoke, his fingers came to rest on her thigh — then slowly began tracing idle patterns over the soft skin.

Maya didn’t react.

Didn’t flinch.

Instead, she leaned forward slightly with that same dangerous smile and picked up the card.

“Mm-hmm… sure.”

She turned as if to leave.

But before she could take even one proper step—

Atharva’s hand shot out.

He pulled her back sharply.

The next second, Maya landed in his lap.

A small jolt of surprise ran through her body — but she masked it instantly, her expression staying carefully composed.

Atharva’s hand slid to the hem of her dress, lifting it slightly from below.

His fingers squeezed her ass sharply through the fabric.

“For spending money,” he murmured near her ear, voice low and possessive, “you don’t need to do all this, biwi.”

His grip tightened just a fraction.

“You’re my wife. One signal from you… and I’ll place everything at your feet.”

Maya turned her face toward him, eyes steady.

“Who told you I’m doing this for money?” she said coolly. “I wanted to come here… so I came.”

Atharva’s fingers moved slowly along her thigh again, his gaze turning darker with each second.

“You do know,” he said quietly, voice dipping with dangerous meaning,

“…how much impact your little actions can have on me?”

Maya’s lips curved slowly.

“I know that very well…” she murmured softly.

Then she leaned closer — her breath brushing the shell of his ear.

“But not now…” her voice dropped to a teasing whisper. “We will continue it later…”

She began to pull away.

But Atharva’s hand instantly slid around her waist, dragging her right back against him.

His grip was firm.

Possessive.

“We will do it later…” he said quietly, eyes darkening. “But since you’re already here…”

His fingers tightened slightly at her waist.

“I want something first.”

For a split second, Maya’s fist clenched tightly at her side.

But her face—

Still smiling.

Still playing the part.

“Whatever you want, baby…” she said smoothly. “It’s all yours.”

A crooked smile tugged at Atharva’s lips.

Slowly, deliberately, he lowered his face to her neck.

His breath turned warm against her skin.

Then his fingers slid to her shoulder… pushing the fabric aside.

The silky strap slipped down.

And in the next moment—

Too much of her chest was exposed.Almost completely..

Maya stiffened.

“Ye—”

Atharva’s voice came low and blunt.

“I want to suck it...”

Before she could react—

His hand pressed firmly against her, and he pulled her closer, his mouth following with hungry intensity.

The sudden pressure made Maya gasp sharply, a broken sound escaping her lips before she could stop it.

Her eyes squeezed shut.

Her fingers flew into his hair, gripping tightly as her body tensed despite herself.

Atharva pulled back just enough to look at her.

“Biwi… watch me,” he said, voice thick and commanding. “Don’t you dare close your eyes or look away. Okay?”

Maya swallowed hard.

Slowly—

Reluctantly—

Her eyes lifted to his face.

And Atharva, holding her gaze captive, pulled her close again, his intensity deliberately slow this time — controlled, deliberate, meant to make her feel every second.

A soft, involuntary moan slipped past Maya’s lips as she kept looking at him, her breathing uneven.

After a few long moments—

Atharva finally pulled away.

Maya drew in a deep, shaky breath, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she looked at him.

“Can I go now?” she asked, voice slightly breathless.

Atharva’s hand moved over her body one last time — slow, lingering — his fingers briefly tightening at her waist and hip.

Then he leaned back.

“Hmmm… now you can go.”

Maya quickly fixed her dress, avoiding his eyes, and hurried out of the study.

The door closed behind her.

Inside, Atharva leaned back in his chair, eyes falling shut for a few seconds — his breathing slow and controlled, like he was forcing himself back into restraint.

Just then, his phone rang.

His eyes snapped open.

And within seconds, he was back to work mode — cold and composed.

—

Meanwhile…

Maya moved quickly.

She changed her clothes in a hurry, grabbed some cash, slipped Atharva’s card into her pocket, and quietly made her way out of the house.

Step by step.

Careful.

Silent.

Rana, who was stationed near the gate, didn’t even notice her slipping past.

Within moments, Maya rushed toward the waiting car and quickly got inside beside Anvi.

She released a deep breath she didn’t realize she was holding.

“Let’s go.”

The car pulled away.

Instinctively, Maya’s hand moved to her chest, pressing lightly where a faint soreness lingered.

Anvi glanced at her, concerned. “Are you okay?”

Maya gave a small nod. “Hmm.”

After some time, they reached the hospital.

Checkups, reports, medicines — everything took longer than expected.

Hours slipped by.

By the time they finally returned to the car, afternoon had already begun melting into evening.

Without another word—

The car drove away from the hospital.

Maya fell silent for a moment, thinking fast.

Then she spoke calmly, “Driver, take the car to the mall.”

Anvi frowned in confusion. “Why the mall?”

Maya’s gaze stayed forward, sharp and calculating.

“It has already been two hours. By the time we reach home, Atharva will know… and we can’t show these reports to anyone.”

Anvi’s worry deepened. “Then what now?”

A slow, clever smile appeared on Maya’s lips.

“I have a plan.”

—

The car soon pulled into a massive, brightly lit mall.

Without wasting a second, Maya stepped out and began moving from store to store with deliberate purpose.

Clothes.

Heels.

Handbags.

Makeup.

Then even mats and bedsheets.

Inside each store, she picked items in her size and several household things — fast, confident, without a second thought.

Anvi stared, half shocked.

“Bhabhi… this much shopping?”

Maya leaned slightly toward her, voice low and strategic.

“These will go inside with us. While everyone’s attention stays on all this… you quietly slip away.”

Her eyes sharpened.

“And Atharva’s mind will stay distracted too.”

Realization dawned on Anvi’s face.

Relief flooded her eyes.

The next second, both women hugged each other tightly — a small moment of victory in the middle of the storm.

Soon, all the shopping bags were loaded into the car.

And they headed back home.

—

What neither of them knew…Was that someone had already taken their pictures.

Multiple shots. From a distance.

Silent. Unseen.

—

Back at the mansion…

Atharva was deeply immersed in work, his focus razor-sharp.

Until—

His phone buzzed.

Then again.

And again.

The repeated notifications finally pulled his attention away.

He picked up the phone.

The moment he saw the screen—

A slow smile appeared on his face.

Shopping alerts.

Maya’s purchases.

Atharva leaned back slightly, amused.

“Uff, biwi… Now you are behaving like my wife..” he murmured under his breath.

He immediately called her.

No response.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

For a brief second, he thought.

Then he pushed his chair back and started walking toward the door—

But just then—Another notification popped up.

Atharva opened it. And froze.

Photos. Maya’s photos. Some alone.

Some with Nidhi.His jaw tightened instantly.

The smile vanished.

In its place—

A sharp wave of suspicion flickered in his eyes.

Because the pictures had come…

From an unknown number.

Before he could think further—

His phone rang.

Unknown.

Atharva answered, voice already dangerous. “Speak.”

A low voice came from the other side.

“So… how did you like my pictures?”

Atharva’s fist clenched hard enough for his knuckles to whiten.

“If even a scratch comes on her,” he said coldly, each word laced with threat, “I will tear your body into pieces so small no one will be able to gather them.”

A soft chuckle came through the line.

“That comes later… but right now, I’m just as close to your wife as you are far.”

Atharva’s eyes darkened with fury as he strode toward the lift.

“You’re threatening Atharva Raisinghani?”

“Not a threat,” the voice replied lazily. “Just a warning. If you keep something this beautiful out in the open… the world will steal it.”

Atharva’s patience snapped.

“Stay right where you are. I am coming.”

Unknown laughed_we'll meet soon..but not today!

The line disconnected.

The silence that followed was deadly.

—

Atharva stormed downstairs, rage radiating off him in waves.

But when he reached—

There was no one.

His voice thundered through the mansion.

“Rana! Rana!”

Hearing the shout, Veer and Dhruv came running toward him in panic.

Meanwhile, Rajendra and Suman were in the back garden, completely unaware that a storm had just begun to rise inside the house.

At that moment, a few servants hurried in and quickly informed Rana.

Within seconds, Rana came running, slightly breathless, and stopped in front of Atharva.

He didn’t even get the chance to speak.

Atharva moved like a storm.

His hand shot forward, gripping Rana harshly by the collar before slamming him back against the wall with a sharp thud that echoed through the hall.

The air instantly turned heavy.

Dangerous.

Atharva’s face was carved in pure fury — jaw clenched tight, nostrils flaring, eyes burning with a cold, lethal rage that made the servants nearby freeze in place.

His voice dropped low… but every word carried a deadly edge.

“How,” he growled, tightening his fist in Rana’s collar, “did Maya manage to leave the house while you were standing guard?”

Rana’s back pressed painfully into the wall, his breath hitching as a flicker of real fear crossed his face.

Because at this moment—

Atharva Raisinghani did not look like a man.

He looked like a man on the verge of losing control.

Veer and Dhruv stood frozen beside Rana, both of them visibly shocked.

Rana swallowed hard, his voice shaking.

“S–Sir… I was at the gate the entire day… I… I didn’t see ma’am leave. I don’t know how—”

Atharva’s grip tightened for a second before his eyes turned dangerously cold.

“Then why do you stand there,” he snapped harshly, “when you can’t even do one job properly?”

Rana’s throat bobbed. “I… I am sorry, sir…”

With a sharp shove, Atharva pushed him away.

Rana stumbled but quickly regained his balance, standing straight despite the fear clearly written across his face.

Atharva dragged a frustrated hand through his hair.

“Ahhh… Maya…”

Her name left his mouth like a warning.

The fury rolling off him was so intense that every servant in the hall lowered their heads further, fear flickering openly across their faces.

The entire mansion felt like it was holding its breath.

—

Just then…

Maya’s car pulled in outside.

She turned quickly toward Nidhi.

“Nidhi, five minutes after I go in, tell them to start sending the shopping bags inside… and then you leave quietly. Okay?”

Nidhi looked deeply worried.

“But bhabhi… if bhai finds out… he’ll never forgive you.”

Maya exhaled slowly, steadying herself.

“Don’t worry about him. I will handle it.”

Even she knew how risky this was.

Taking one deep breath, Maya stepped out and walked inside.

—

The moment she entered the hall, the tension hit her like a wall.

Atharva stood with his face toward everyone, shoulders stiff, hands clenched at his sides.

All the servants stood in front of him with lowered heads.

In one corner, Veer and Dhruv stood unusually quiet.

Maya’s heart skipped.

She immediately understood..Atharva was beyond angry.

She had barely parted her lips to speak—

When his voice came.

Cold. Sharp.

Without even turning.

“Where were you?”

Maya froze.

Shock flashed across her face.

He recognized her… without even seeing her.

Every pair of eyes in the hall slowly shifted toward Maya.

Her throat went dry.

“I… I was—”

Atharva turned.

His gaze hit her like a slap.

Maya instinctively shrank back a fraction.

“Did I ask for a story?” he said dangerously.

Her fingers curled nervously.

“Sh–shopping…”

Atharva took one slow step toward her.

“And what did I say?”

Maya swallowed. “On… online shopping…”

“And then?” His voice dropped lower.

Maya’s mind scrambled. “I… I just… I couldn’t understand what to—”

Before she could finish—

Atharva grabbed both her shoulders roughly.

“Why,” he growled, shaking her slightly, “does nothing ever get through to you?”

His grip tightened further.

“I told you not to go. Then why did you go?”

“Ath… Atharva—”she trembled..

“WHAT?” he thundered, suddenly pulling her closer.

His face was inches from hers now, eyes blazing.

“What excuse will you give now? Haan? What will you say?”

Maya’s breath turned uneven under the weight of his anger.

“Nothing… I… I am sorry… I shouldn’t have gone…”

Atharva gave a harsh, humorless laugh.

“Sorry?”

His eyes darkened dangerously.

“What do you think of me? Who do you think I am? Tell me who I am? ”

Maya’s voice came out small.

“Ath… Atharva Raisinghani…”

His temper snapped again.

“I am not someone whose life is simple!” he roared.

The hall fell dead silent.

“I have enemies. A lot of them.”

His fingers dug slightly into her shoulders.

“And everyone knows…” his voice dropped, thick with dangerous possessiveness, “…that you are the most priceless thing in my life.”

Saying that, Atharva pulled her even closer.

Their faces were now inches apart.

So close that their noses brushed.

Their breaths tangled in the narrow space between them — warm, uneven, charged.

Maya instinctively tried to lower her gaze.

Atharva’s voice dropped into a dangerous whisper.

“Don’t you dare.”

Her lashes froze mid-movement.

—

Just then, the sound of footsteps broke the moment.

Servants began entering the hall, carrying multiple shopping bags and boxes inside.

Everyone’s attention shifted.

Atharva slowly released Maya and turned his sharp gaze toward the growing pile of bags.

Right then, Rajvendra and Suman also walked in from the garden.

Nidhi quietly slipped inside and stood with the others, keeping her head low.

More and more bags kept coming in.

Maya subtly signaled Nidhi with her eyes.

Within seconds, Nidhi quietly slipped away toward her room.

No one noticed.

—

Rajvendra stopped mid-step, staring at the mountain of bags.

“So many shopping bags? Are we running a shipment business now?”

Suman raised her brows with mild amusement.

“Or is someone getting married again?”

Maya glanced once at Atharva — his eyebrows still drawn tight with anger — then turned toward the others with forced casualness.

“These are all mine. I purchased everything.”

Veer and Dhruv exchanged looks.

“Damn…” they muttered together.

Rajvendra looked genuinely surprised. “You bought all this in one day?”

Maya shrugged lightly. “I couldn’t decide what to buy… so I just picked up the whole store.”

Rajvendra and Suman shared an amused smile and, clearly unconcerned, walked away.

—

Maya carefully looked back at Atharva.

His expression was changing.

The sharp fury was no longer as explosive — but his silence…

That silence was worse.

For a brief second, Maya thought—

Maybe he’s calming down.

Turning to the servants, she said smoothly, “Please take all this to my room.”

The servants immediately began lifting the bags again.

Maya started walking behind them—

“STOP.”

Atharva’s voice cracked through the air like a whip.

Everyone froze.

Maya’s eyes shut for a split second.

"Shit… did he figure it out?"

Her heartbeat began to pound.

Atharva stepped forward until he was standing directly in front of her.

Slowly, Maya lifted her eyes to meet his.

His gaze was dark.

Knowing.

Dangerously calm.

“What did you think, biwi?” he said quietly. “That you could distract me like this and get away?”

Maya’s pulse spiked violently.

Her fingers clenched tightly into the fabric of her dress.

Atharva’s jaw hardened.

“You enjoy doing things your way, don’t you?”

His voice dropped lower.

“Come… let me show you what happens when I start doing things my way.”

Before she could react—

His hand shot out and gripped her wrist firmly.

Then he dragged her with him toward the lift to his floor.

No one dared move.

No one dared speak.

—

The servants quickly dumped all the shopping bags into a separate room instead of Maya’s floor.

Because at that moment—

No one wanted to go anywhere near Atharva’s territory.

—

Veer and Dhruv exchanged a tense look.

But neither of them said a word.

Silently—

They both walked out of the house.

.......................

"Hey my cheerful and happy readers! Firstly, wishing each one of you a very Happy Holi. I truly hope the beautiful colours of Holi fill your life with happiness, love, and prosperity.

And secondly… don’t forget to drop your comments and tell me how you liked today’s chapter. Which part did you enjoy the most? I’m eagerly waiting to hear your thoughts! ??