Surprise?Shock?
The entire day passed in a strange, lazy rhythm.
Maya and Atharva barely left the room. They rested, slept, woke up only to eat something, and then drifted back into sleep again. Hours slipped by like that... quiet, undisturbed. No one came to knock. No one dared to interrupt them.
It felt as if the entire mansion had silently decided to leave them alone.
Next day.
Soft morning light filtered through the curtains when Maya slowly opened her eyes. She stretched her arms above her head, letting out a sleepy breath before sitting up on the bed.
Her gaze moved around the room.
Atharva wasn't there.
Without thinking much of it, Maya quietly got up and walked toward the washroom.
Some time later, she came out fully ready, her hair still slightly damp. She stepped into the room again and began looking around, her brows knitting together in confusion.
Her eyes moved from the bedside table to the couch... then to the dresser.
Nothing.
Maya muttered under her breath, slightly annoyed.
"Where did I keep my phone...? It should be somewhere in this room... How am I supposed to talk to Atharva now?"
She searched for a few more minutes, checking every possible place, but the phone was nowhere to be found.
Finally, she stepped out and walked toward the lift to go downstairs.
But halfway there, something suddenly clicked in her mind.
The study room.
Without wasting another second, Maya turned and headed straight in that direction.
As soon as she pushed the door open-
Atharva stood near the large window, his back turned toward the room. Sunlight fell across his shoulders as he spoke calmly on the phone. He was already fully dressed, looking composed and ready for the day.
The moment Maya stepped inside, he sensed her presence.
Yet... he didn't turn around.
Maya slowly walked toward him, her footsteps soft against the floor.
A moment later, Atharva spoke into the phone.
"So everything is done, right?"
A voice replied from the other side.
"Yes, sir."
Atharva nodded slightly.
"Hmm. Good."
The call ended.
He lazily spun the phone between his fingers before finally turning his head toward Maya.
She was standing near the chair now, one hand resting on its back, quietly watching him.
A slow smile appeared on Atharva's face.
"How are you, biwi?"
"I'm fine," Maya replied calmly. "But I needed to talk to you about something important... that's why I came here."
Atharva leaned back comfortably into his chair, crossing one leg over the other.
"Well then... tell me."
Maya took a small breath before speaking.
"I had to go to college today. It's been more than a month since I've gone. Exams are about to start, and I still have assignments, presentations, and a lot of things to finish."
Atharva simply watched her.
"And?" he asked.
"And... I can't find my phone. Do you know where it is?"
Without answering directly, Atharva opened the drawer of his desk. He took out a sleek box and placed it in front of her.
"From today, you'll use this."
Maya looked down at the box in surprise before raising her eyes back to him.
"I don't need a new phone," she said. "The old one was perfectly fine."
Atharva inhaled slowly, his expression turning firm.
"I'm informing you," he said calmly. "Not asking."
He tapped the box lightly with his finger.
"This is your new phone."
Then he pointed toward the other side of the desk.
"Over there... a new MacBook. And a new iPad."
His gaze returned to her.
"You'll use those from now on."
Maya followed his gesture and noticed the devices lying neatly on the table. She looked back at him again.
"But all my old data is in my previous laptop. First I need to-"
"Don't worry, biwi," Atharva interrupted smoothly. "Everything has already been transferred."
Maya stared at him for a second, processing that.
Then she asked quietly,
"So... can I go to college today?"
Atharva tilted his head slightly.
"I haven't found a valid reason yet," he replied calmly, "to give you that permission."
Maya frowned.
"All the reasons I just gave you are valid. I really need to go."
Atharva slowly stood up from the chair and walked toward her.
He stopped right in front of her, close enough that she had to slightly tilt her head up to meet his eyes.
"Whatever you need to learn," he said evenly, "I can arrange it here. If you want, your professors can come to the house and teach you personally."
Maya's expression hardened.
"But you won't let me go outside."
Atharva leaned slightly closer, his face now inches from hers.
"Something like that."
Maya held his gaze.
"What's the reason?" she asked. "Is my life in danger... or are you afraid that I'll run away?"
For a moment, Atharva simply looked at her.
Then a quiet chuckle escaped him.
"Neither of those things is possible."
"Then?" Maya insisted. "Let me go. You have meetings too. You go out all the time. I've never stopped you."
Her voice stayed calm... but the challenge in her eyes was unmistakable.
Atharva's lips curved slowly, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes.
"That," he said calmly, "is not a permission you have, heart. Only I can do that... not you."
Maya's brows tightened.
"Why?" she asked, her voice steady. "I am also Maya Atharva Raisinghani. Who exactly is going to stop me?"
For a moment, Atharva simply stared at her.
Then an amused smile spread across his face-wide, almost proud.
He stepped closer and placed a hand lightly on her waist, pulling her toward him until barely any distance remained between them.
The sudden closeness made Maya's breath hitch for a second.
Atharva leaned slightly toward her, his voice dropping into a softer, slower tone.
"So this is the first time you said it... 'Maya Atharva Raisinghani.'"
His thumb pressed gently against her waist as he looked into her eyes.
"I'm impressed."
Then his smile turned darker.
"But I want to dominate," he continued quietly. "So you don't get to do anything."
Maya swallowed the irritation rising inside her.
"Please... just let me go. Only for one day," she said. "After that, I won't go again."
Atharva's gaze drifted down to her lips for a brief moment... lingering there... before returning to her eyes.
"What will you do," he asked softly, "if I allow you?"
Maya let out a quiet breath.
"There's nothing I have that I can give you," she replied honestly. "You've already taken everything."
For a moment, Atharva simply looked at her.
Something unreadable flickered in his expression.
Then suddenly, he released her.
"Fine," he said casually. "Go."
Maya blinked, slightly surprised.
"The car is ready," he added. "And the bodyguards too."
She looked at him in disbelief, trying to understand if he was serious.
But Atharva had already leaned back against the desk, his expression relaxed again.
Slowly, Maya picked up the new phone from the table.
Without another word, she turned and walked out of the study.
Behind her, Atharva watched her leave... a faint smile resting on his lips.
Moments later, his day filled with meetings, calls, and discussions. Soon he was completely absorbed in his work.
Downstairs.
Maya entered the dining area and immediately noticed everyone seated around the table, having breakfast.
For a brief moment, her gaze moved across each face.
Then, without saying anything, she turned toward the main door, intending to leave quietly.
"Bhabhi!"
Nidhi's voice stopped her.
Instantly, everyone's attention shifted toward Maya.
Nidhi stood up and walked toward her.
"Where are you going?" she asked. "And that too without having breakfast?"
"I'm not hungry," Maya replied calmly. "I'm going to college. I'll be back by evening."
Rajvendra looked at her thoughtfully.
"Atharva has given permission?"
Maya turned her head toward him.
"Yes," she answered. "And if you want to recheck... you can call him and ask."
Her face showed no emotion-no happiness, no irritation, nothing at all.
Just calm emptiness.
For a moment, everyone exchanged silent glances but said nothing.
Nidhi suddenly brightened.
"Then I'll come with you!" she said quickly. "I had to visit a friend anyway. I'll go along with you."
Maya simply nodded.
"Okay."
As they prepared to leave, Veer kept watching Maya for a long moment.
His gaze was sharp... almost searching, as if he were trying to understand what was going on in her mind.
But the truth was-
At that moment, the only person who could truly understand Maya...
was Atharva.
As soon as Maya and Nidhi left the house, Veer also pushed his chair back, about to follow them.
"Have you forgotten already?" Suman's sharp voice stopped him mid-step.
Veer turned back, frowning slightly.
"She was upset. Didn't you all see that?"
Dhruv sighed and leaned back in his chair.
"Everyone saw it," he said calmly. "And everyone understands it."
Then he folded his hands together dramatically.
"But please... I'm literally begging you. Let everyone live peacefully for a few days."
His tone softened.
"This house hasn't seen stability in a long time. Every single day something new happens... some new chaos starts. So please-sit here. Don't go anywhere."
His eyes flicked toward the ceiling for a brief moment.
"And don't forget... cameras are installed everywhere in the house. And the only person who has access to them..."
He paused meaningfully.
"...is bhai."
Veer fell silent.
There was nothing he could say to that.
After a moment, he slowly sat back down.
The rest of them quietly returned to their breakfast, the air heavy with unspoken thoughts.
---
On the road.
Maya sat beside the car window, her face turned toward the glass. Cool morning wind slipped in through the slight opening, brushing against her hair.
She looked distant... lost somewhere deep in her thoughts.
Or perhaps she was simply letting the cold air calm the storm inside her.
Nidhi glanced ahead, then checked the rear mirror.
Two black SUVs followed their car closely-bodyguards.
Her gaze returned to Maya.
"Bhabhi... are you okay?"
Maya turned her head slightly and gave a faint nod.
"Yes."
Nidhi reached out and gently held Maya's hand.
"Did bhai hurt you?"
Maya immediately shook her head.
"No, buddhu. Nothing like that. Everything is fine."
Then she looked at Nidhi more carefully.
"Anyway, tell me about you. I haven't been able to talk to you properly these days. Did it hurt a lot?"
Nidhi made a small face.
"It did," she admitted. "Quite a lot."
She shrugged helplessly.
"But I can't really tell anyone... so I've just been staying in my room and suffering quietly."
Maya's expression softened.
"I'm really sorry, Nidhi. I couldn't even pay attention to you."
"Please don't say sorry," Nidhi replied quickly. "None of this is your fault."
Maya leaned back slightly.
"By the way... what's that boy's name?" she asked casually. "Is he still studying in the same college?"
"Tarun," Nidhi said with mild annoyance. "He still tries to talk to me sometimes... but I ignore him."
Maya hummed thoughtfully.
"Good. Keep ignoring him."
Her tone turned protective.
"And if he bothers you again... tell me."
Nidhi nodded obediently.
Soon they reached Nidhi's stop.
After dropping her off, Maya went to pick up Anvi. A few minutes later, the two girls headed toward the college together.
---
College.
Maya and Anvi walked through the main gate while talking to each other casually.
Behind them, the bodyguards followed silently.
Within seconds, the entire campus seemed to notice them.
Eyes turned.
Whispers began.
Students standing in the corridors stared openly.
As Maya walked through the pathway, people instinctively stepped aside, clearing the way without even being asked.
No one approached her.
No one spoke to her.
The distance around her felt almost deliberate.
Maya slowed slightly, sensing the strange atmosphere.
She and Anvi exchanged confused glances.
Then they quietly entered their classroom.
The bodyguards stopped outside the door, standing like silent statues.
And inside the classroom... the same uneasy silence followed them.
The moment Maya and Anvi entered the classroom, the entire room fell silent.
The chatter that had filled the space seconds ago suddenly disappeared, as if someone had pressed mute.
Every pair of eyes turned toward them.
Boys who were sitting nearby immediately shifted their chairs farther away from Maya, creating an awkward distance as if an invisible line had been drawn around her.
The tension in the room was almost ridiculous.
One boy hurriedly stood up, trying to change his seat and move farther away. But in his rush, his foot got tangled with the chair leg.
He stumbled forward, about to fall.
Before he could hit the floor-
Maya quickly caught his arm and steadied him.
"Hey... relax," she said lightly. "Why are you so scared?"
The boy froze for a second.
Then he immediately jerked his arm away from her as if her touch had burned him.
"I'm sorry!" he blurted out nervously. "Please forgive me! I will never come near you again. I'll even leave the college if you want... please don't get me killed!"
Without waiting for her response, he hurried away and sat on the farthest bench possible.
The entire class avoided looking at Maya.
Maya and Anvi exchanged stunned glances before quietly sitting down in their seats.
A few minutes later, the class began.
Even the teacher, while entering, paused for a brief second and glanced at Maya. But then, without saying anything, he simply started teaching as if nothing unusual had happened.
Still... the strange tension never disappeared.
After some time, the classes were over.
Students rushed out quickly, as if eager to escape the room.
Maya leaned back in her chair, clearly irritated.
"What is wrong with everyone today?" she muttered. "Why are they behaving so awkwardly? This never happened before."
Anvi shook her head, equally confused.
"I have no idea. Why is everyone acting like they're terrified of you?"
Just then, a girl walked past them.
"Hey-Jyoti!" Anvi quickly grabbed her wrist.
"Why is everyone running away from us? Why are they so scared?"
Jyoti hesitated for a moment before answering.
"It's because of Atharva Raisinghani."
Maya's brows furrowed.
"What do you mean?"
"A video has been sent all over the college," Jyoti explained quickly. "And there's a huge poster at the center notice board with your picture and Atharva's."
She lowered her voice slightly.
"Everyone has been warned. If anyone even goes near Maya... they'll have to deal with Atharva Raisinghani."
Silence fell between them.
Maya and Anvi looked at each other in complete shock.
"Where was the video sent?" Anvi asked.
"I'll forward it to you," Jyoti replied. "But I'm getting late now. Bye."
Without waiting further, she hurried away.
Maya and Anvi sat there, staring at each other in disbelief.
A moment later-
Anvi's phone buzzed.
The video had arrived.
She opened it.
On the screen, Atharva stood calmly, a gun resting casually in his hand.
His expression was cold... controlled... dangerous. And his voice carried a clear warning.Anyone who came near Maya... would have to face him.
Anvi slowly lowered the phone.
Maya's eyes had already darkened with fury.
Her jaw tightened.
Her fingers curled into fists.
Without saying a word, she suddenly stood up and walked out of the classroom.
Fast.
Angry.
Anvi immediately followed her.
And a few steps behind them-
The bodyguards moved as well.
Maya walked across the corridor, her steps fast and irritated, while Anvi struggled to keep up beside her.
"I'm seriously getting tired of this man," Maya muttered angrily. "Who even does something like this? This is a college, not his house. I only had two or three months of college left anyway... after that it would have ended on its own. But no... he still had to show everyone who he is."
Anvi, however, was smiling.
"But what's there to be upset about?" she said lightly. "It's actually good. At least everyone is staying away from us now. No boys trying to flirt, no seniors ragging us... it's peaceful."
By the time they finished talking, they had already reached the canteen.
Maya pulled out a chair and sat down.
"Then you should have married him instead," she said dryly. "Since you seem to like all this so much."
Anvi clutched her chest dramatically.
"Ouch! Right on the painful nerve," she laughed. "Honestly, I wanted him to choose me... but he chose you."
Maya immediately looked up at her.
"What? Are you serious?"
Anvi burst out laughing.
"Relax! I'm joking."
Then she waved her hand dismissively.
"Leave that. Tell me something else. How is everything at home? Do you talk to Veer these days?"
The moment Veer's name came up, Maya's expression shifted slightly.
She took a slow breath.
"He heard everything," she said quietly.
"Who?" Anvi asked.
"Atharva." said Maya..
Maya then told her about the conversation Anvi had had on the phone earlier... and how Atharva had overheard it.
From there, she slowly narrated everything that had happened afterward.
Anvi's eyes widened as she listened.
"Oh my God," she said, placing a hand on her forehead. "So much has happened... and you didn't even tell me! Damn... Veer must have been shattered."
"How could I tell you?" Maya replied helplessly. "He doesn't leave me alone even for a second. And now he has changed my phone too."
Just then, the bodyguards placed food on the table in front of them.
Maya rubbed her temples, clearly exhausted.
"I'm really frustrated, Anvi," she said quietly. "My entire freedom is gone. I can't go anywhere... I can't come and go freely... I can't even talk to anyone properly."
Her voice lowered.
"It feels so suffocating. I can't even explain it."
Anvi looked at her sympathetically.
"I know it feels bad," she said softly. "Even I feel bad sometimes. Our whole time together is gone."
She paused before continuing.
"But at least you're safe there... that's why I don't complain. Ever since that bike race incident, I keep thinking that maybe it's better if you stay at home. At least you'll be safe."
Maya gave a bitter laugh.
"Safe?" she repeated.
Her eyes darkened slightly.
"I might survive the whole world... but who's going to save me from Atharva?"
Anvi's expression immediately turned serious.
"What do you mean?" she asked sharply. "Does he hurt you? Tell me honestly."
For a brief moment, all the memories flashed through Maya's mind like a storm-every moment, every touch, every argument.
She quickly pulled the plate closer to herself.
"No," she said. "Nothing like that."
Anvi didn't move.
She kept staring at Maya.
"Maya," she said slowly. "Are you lying to me? To your Anvi?"
Maya lowered her head and began eating silently.
Without another word, Anvi dragged a chair closer and sat right beside her. She gently lifted Maya's chin so that she had to look at her.
"Look at me when you answer."
Maya raised her eyes.
They were wet.
Anvi's expression softened immediately.
"Maya... what happened?" she asked gently. "What did he do?"
At that moment, Maya broke.
She leaned forward and hugged Anvi tightly.
"I don't want to live with him anymore, Anvi," she whispered desperately. "Please save me... please."
Her voice trembled.
"He's so unpredictable. I never know what he'll do next. I can't understand him at all."
Anvi gently stroked her hair, letting her cry for a moment until she calmed down.
Then she slowly pulled back and wiped the tears from Maya's cheeks.
"Okay," she said softly. "Tell me everything."
Maya looked at her quietly for a second.
Then she began speaking.
From the very first night of her marriage... to everything that had happened just a day ago.
She told her everything.
Every moment.
Every argument.
How Atharva hurt her... and then how he himself applied medicine to the wounds afterward.
Nothing was left unsaid.
Anvi stared at Maya for a few seconds, trying to process everything she had just heard.
Then suddenly she pushed her chair back and stood up.
"Oh my God... shit!"
She ran a hand through her hair and began pacing back and forth restlessly.
Maya remained seated, watching her silently.
After a moment, Anvi stopped and sat down in front of her again, leaning forward over the table.
"He is completely obsessed with you," she said seriously. "Like a madman."
Maya looked down at her hands.
"I don't even know what he feels for me... or what I am to him," she murmured quietly. "But I can't handle all of this anymore."
Anvi exhaled slowly.
"Baby... you can't do anything about it. Neither can we."
Her tone turned heavy.
"When someone falls in love, a person can still walk away from it. They can break up, move on... escape."
She paused.
"But what jiju has for you isn't love."
Her eyes met Maya's.
"It's obsession."
The word hung in the air.
"The kind of obsession where a man will destroy everything... the world, himself, anything... but he will never let you go."
Maya's expression hardened.
"And how is that my fault?" she asked helplessly. "What am I supposed to do?"
"I don't know," Anvi admitted, shaking her head. "I really don't."
Maya leaned back in the chair, frustration burning inside her.
"Sometimes I feel like running away from all of this," she said quietly.
Anvi immediately looked up.
"Running away?"
"Yes," Maya continued. "Leaving that house... this city... maybe even the country. Just disappearing somewhere."
Anvi stared at her in disbelief.
"Have you lost your mind?" she said sharply. "How can that idea even come to your head?"
She leaned closer.
"The man who destroyed half the city when you were missing for just one day... do you think he will let you go?"
Maya looked away.
"I don't care."
"Maya!"
Anvi sighed and rubbed her forehead.
"Can I say something? Don't get angry."
"What?" asked maya..
"Look... I know all this feels suffocating to you," Anvi said carefully. "Anyone in your place might feel the same."
She paused before continuing.
"But the truth is... you are safer with jiju than anywhere else."
Maya's brows tightened.
"No matter how rough he is with you," Anvi said softly, "he still cares about you."
Her voice lowered.
"That man can burn the entire world down if even a single scratch appears on you."
Maya let out a hollow laugh.
"And what about the wounds he gives himself?"
Anvi fell silent.
She had no answer for that.
-
Far away, inside his office...
Atharva was sitting in his chair, listening to every single word.
The new phone he had given Maya had many purposes.
And the biggest one was this-
Her phone was tapped.
Every conversation... every sound... every word.
He could hear everything.
But Maya and Anvi had absolutely no idea.
-
Back in the canteen.
Anvi cleared her throat and pushed the plate toward Maya.
"Come on," she said gently. "Eat something now. You haven't eaten since morning."
Maya nodded faintly and picked up her fork.
-
Inside his office, Atharva slowly leaned back in his chair.
His fingers tapped lightly against the armrest as Maya's earlier words echoed in his ears.
Running away.
Leaving the city.
Leaving him.
A slow... dangerous smile spread across his face.
"You can't leave me, biwi," he murmured to himself.
"Not today... not tomorrow... not ever."
His eyes darkened.
"But you shouldn't have even thought about it.You will have to pay for this mistake!"
The smile on his face deepened-
cold... and frightening.
Evening slowly settled over the city.
The golden light of the sun faded into a darker shade as Maya and Anvi left the college and headed back home.
Inside the car, silence lingered between them for a while.
Then Anvi finally spoke.
"So... you've taken that idea out of your mind, right?"
Maya turned slightly toward her.
"What idea?"
Anvi sighed.
"This whole running away plan."
For a few seconds, Maya remained silent, staring out of the window.
Then she spoke quietly.
"No."
Anvi stiffened.
"I'll run away when I find the right opportunity," Maya continued calmly. "If you want to help me, then help... otherwise don't."
"Maya, please..."
"What please?" Maya snapped suddenly. "You're not the one suffering, Anvi. How will you understand any of this?"
Her voice carried frustration.
"It's easy to advise someone else. But when the same thing happens to you... that's when you understand what it actually feels like."
Anvi looked at her for a long moment.
Then her voice softened.
"You're my life, Maya. I've done everything the way you wanted till now."
She gave a small, helpless smile.
"I'm living in this hostel away from my family just so I can stay close to you... go to college with you every day."
She paused.
"But I also know jiju. That's why I'm stopping you."
Maya said nothing.
Anvi sighed again.
"Think about it properly," she said gently. "And even after that... if you still feel that running away is the only option... then I'll help you."
She held Maya's hand.
"I'll even go with you if needed."
Maya turned toward her immediately and hugged her tightly.
Neither of them spoke for a moment.
After some time, they finally went their separate ways and headed back home.
-
Raisinghani House.
Maya stepped into the hall, still lost in the same thoughts.
Her eyes moved slowly around the large space.
The entire hall was empty.
No family members.
No servants.
No sound.
An uneasy silence filled the mansion.
Then her gaze shifted toward the couch.
And she froze.
Atharva was sitting there.
One leg casually crossed over the other.
A gun rested loosely in his hand.
His eyes were closed, as if he had been waiting... patiently.
Maya's heartbeat skipped.
She glanced at him nervously and quietly tried to slip away without disturbing him.
But before she could take another step-
Atharva's voice filled the silent hall.
"I didn't say you could leave, biwi."
Maya's feet immediately stopped. Slowly, she turned around to face him.
Atharva opened his eyes.
His dark gaze settled on her.
"So... how was college, heart?"
Maya swallowed.
"Th... it was fine."
"Hm."
Atharva stood up and walked toward her slowly.
Then he stopped right in front of her.
"Tomorrow is your birthday, right... biwi?"
Maya blinked in surprise.
"Tomorrow? I... I didn't remember."
Atharva tilted his head slightly.
"19th November, 2002," he said smoothly.
"Tuesday. 5:30 in the evening. and tomorrow is 19th November."
His lips curved faintly.
"Am I right?"
Maya stared at him in disbelief.
"How do you know all that? I never told you."
Atharva chuckled softly.
"You're my wife," he said casually. "Of course I'll know things about you."
Then he waved the topic away.
"Anyway, forget that. I've planned a surprise for you."
Maya frowned slightly.
"What kind of surprise?"
Instead of answering, Atharva picked up the gun again.
Then he caught her wrist and gently pulled her along as he began walking toward the exit.
Maya stumbled slightly, trying to keep up.
"Fa... farmhouse?" she asked nervously. "Why are we going there?"
Atharva glanced at her and smiled.
"Come on, biwi," he said softly. "You'll see it yourself."
His smile widened.
"You're going to like it a lot."
But beneath that smile...Something far darker was hidden.Something Maya couldn't see yet.
And they stepped toward the farmhouse, her steps felt heavier... unsteady.
A strange fear settled inside her chest.
The worry on her face was impossible to hide.