Season 2! Unseen eyes
After One Year
It was a desolate night—one of those nights where darkness didn’t just exist, it swallowed everything whole.
The road lay abandoned under a pale wash of moonlight, broken only by flickering streetlights that buzzed faintly in the silence.
Tall trees lined both sides of the road, their long, twisted shadows stretching across the asphalt like something alive… something watching.
And then—there she was.
Maya.
Running.
She stumbled forward through the empty road, her breath ragged, uneven, as if her lungs were on the verge of collapsing.
She was dressed in a beautiful white kurta and pajama, now completely drenched in sweat, clinging to her trembling body.
Strands of her hair stuck to her neck and forehead, while the rest flew wildly behind her.
Fear was etched into her eyes—raw, visible, undeniable.
She kept looking back.
Again and again.
As if death itself was chasing her.
A thin stream of blood trickled down from her forehead, drying unevenly against her skin. Her bare feet struck the cold road, wounded and bruised, each step leaving behind pain—but she didn’t stop.
She couldn’t.
She just kept running.
Until—
Her foot twisted.
And she fell.
Hard.
Her body hit the road with a dull thud, a sharp gasp escaping her lips. She tried to push herself up, her hands trembling against the rough surface, panic rising in her chest—
“Now where will you go, Maya Raisinghani?”
The voice cut through the silence like a blade.
Her breath hitched.
Her heartbeat skyrocketed.
Slowly—terrified—she turned.
A man stood a few steps away, his figure cloaked in darkness. A black hoodie covered his head, hiding his face almost completely. Only the outline of him was visible… and the gun in his hand.
Behind him stood four more men. Rough. Unpolished. Dangerous. One held a knife, another something metallic that gleamed faintly under the streetlight. They looked like predators who had already cornered their prey.
Maya’s lips trembled violently.
“Pl… please… don’t kill me,” she stammered, her voice barely holding together. “Please… let me go…”
Her plea was met with laughter.
Cold.
Mocking.
Cruel.
Her hands folded instinctively, shaking as she begged again, “Please… what have I done to you people?”
The man in the black hoodie tilted his head slightly, as if amused.
“Being Atharva Raisinghani’s wife… and this scared?” he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Doesn’t suit you.”
Tears streamed down her face.
“Let me go…” she whispered, broken.
“Oh no…” he chuckled darkly. “How can I let you go? When the husband sins… the wife pays the price, doesn’t she… Darling?”
And then—
He raised the gun.
Pointing it directly at her head.
Maya’s world froze.
Her eyes shut tight, her entire body stiffening as fear consumed every inch of her being.
And suddenly—
“Don’t you dare touch her!”
The voice roared from behind.
Everyone turned.
Atharva.
He stood a short distance away, fury blazing in his eyes, a gun clenched tightly in his hand. His entire presence radiated danger.
Maya looked at him, her voice trembling, barely audible—
“Ath…arva…”
His eyes flickered to her for a split second—just one glance—before locking back onto the man in black.
“I said stay away from Maya,” Atharva growled, his voice low and lethal. “Or I’ll tear you into so many pieces… you won’t even be able to count them.”
The man in the hoodie let out a slow laugh.
“The distance between us right now…” he said casually, tightening his grip on the gun, “is shorter for my trigger than for your threat. Want me to prove it?”
Atharva took a step forward instinctively.
“No… no, don’t—”
“Then stop right there, Atharva Raisinghani,” the man snapped. “And throw the gun away. Or…”
He pressed the gun closer to Maya’s head.
Atharva froze.
For a moment, everything stood still.
Then—
He threw the gun aside.
“Stop! I’ve thrown it… just let her go…”
“On your knees,” the man ordered. “And beg me. Maybe then I’ll consider sparing your wife.”
And without a second of hesitation—
Atharva dropped to his knees.
His hands folded.
“Please… let her go,” he said, his voice cracking under the weight of desperation. “This fight is between you and me… not her… please…”
The man burst into laughter.
“I’ve heard that fate changes,” he mocked. “But never thought it would favor me like this… Atharva Raisinghani… on his knees… begging me? Wow.”
But Atharva wasn’t listening.
His eyes were locked on Maya—
Terrified. Shaking. Helpless.
The man in black looked between them for a moment.
And then—
Without warning—
He pulled the trigger.
The gunshot echoed through the night.
Maya’s body jerked violently as the bullet pierced straight through her head.
“MAYAAAAA!!!”
Atharva screamed—
And his eyes snapped open.
He gasped for air, his chest heaving violently as he looked around in panic. Darkness. Walls. Familiar surroundings.
The bedroom.
Reality.
The lamp beside him flicked on suddenly.
Maya stood there, looking at him with concern.
“What happened, Atharva? Are you okay?”
For a moment—
He just stared at her.
Alive.
Safe.
Right in front of him.
“Maya…” he whispered.
“What happened? Why are you sweating so much?” said Maya
Realization hit him—it was just a nightmare.
A terrible… horrifying nightmare.
Without another thought, he pulled her into a tight embrace.
Maya froze for a second, surprised, before slowly wrapping her arms around him.
“It’s okay…” she murmured softly, gently stroking his back.
After a moment, she pulled back slightly, searching his face.
“Tell me… what happened? Was it a bad dream?”
“Please…” he whispered, his voice breaking. “Don’t leave me… please…”
Her expression softened instantly.
She hugged him again, tighter this time, letting him hold on as long as he needed.
A few moments later, she asked gently, “Feeling better now?”
He nodded against her.
“Hmm… better.”
She cupped his face lightly, lifting it to look at her. His eyes were slightly moist.
“What did you even see…?” she asked, puzzled.
He looked at her for a long second.
Then shook his head.
“Nothing…”
Pulling her close again, he whispered,
“I just… can’t lose you. Not even in my dreams.”
A small smile touched her lips.
“Where am I going?” she said softly.
They looked at each other for a while—silent, yet understanding everything.
Eventually, they lay back down.
Maya drifted off to sleep within minutes.
But Atharva—
He stayed awake.
Staring into the darkness.
Because that nightmare…
It didn’t feel like just a dream
Next Morning
Soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room.
Maya stirred slightly.
Her hand moved instinctively across the bed beside her—but the space was empty.
Her brows furrowed faintly as she opened her eyes, blinking away the remnants of sleep. She looked around.
Atharva wasn’t there.
Pushing herself up, she glanced toward the balcony.
And there he was.
Standing near the railing, his back slightly turned, speaking in a low, controlled voice on the phone while looking out toward the garden. His posture was tense… unusually tense.
A soft smile touched Maya’s lips.
She quietly slipped out of bed and walked toward him, her steps light, almost playful.
“…Rana, I want full security. Starting now,” Atharva’s voice was firm, sharp. “Double everything—cameras, guards, surveillance. I need a complete list. Every single detail about my past enemies.”
A pause.
Then, quieter—but heavier—
“Because I can’t afford to lose her. Not at any cost.”
Maya reached him just then, wrapping her arms around him from behind, her cheek brushing lightly against his back.
“Who are you afraid of losing, my love?” she murmured softly.
Atharva’s gaze dropped to her hands resting over his stomach.
For a moment, his expression softened.
He ended the call and turned to face her.
Maya looked up at him, her eyes calm… unaware of the storm he had just buried.
Without a word, he pulled her into his arms.
“Getting very romantic, aren’t you… wifey?” he said, a faint teasing tone masking the lingering tension.
Maya raised an eyebrow, a playful smile forming. “Well, when my husband forgets romance… someone has to take responsibility.”
Atharva leaned closer, narrowing his eyes slightly. “I’ve forgotten?”
She nodded innocently, clearly enjoying this.
That was enough.
In one swift motion, he lifted her into his arms.
“Then let me remind you,” he murmured, a dangerous hint of mischief in his voice. “Starting… from the bathroom.”
“Atharva!” she gasped, trying to wriggle free. “Leave me—I was joking!”
“But I’m not,” he replied calmly, already walking toward the bathroom.
A second later, he placed her under the shower.
The water hadn’t started yet.
He stepped closer.
“Want to get wet?” he whispered, his voice low.
Maya’s cheeks flushed instantly. She avoided his gaze, fidgeting slightly. “You… don’t do this in the morning…”
The next second—
The shower turned on.
Cold droplets cascaded down, soaking them both instantly.
Atharva pulled her closer, their bodies nearly pressed together.
“Don’t you remember?” he murmured near her ear. “Morning luck?”
Maya looked away, her voice flustered. “So early in the morning… I don’t know how you even think of—”
She couldn’t finish.
Because his lips were already on hers.
The kiss started slow… deliberate… as if he was grounding himself in her presence.
And then, gradually, it deepened.
Maya’s hands slipped around his neck, pulling him closer as she responded just as intensely.
For a moment—
Everything else disappeared.
The running water. The world outside. The lingering shadows of the nightmare.
It was just them.
Lost in each other.
Atharva trailed his lips along her jaw, down to her neck, pressing soft yet lingering kisses. Sometimes he would pull her back against the wall, sometimes just hold her close—like letting go wasn’t an option.
Until—
A knock.
Sharp.
Sudden.
Maya froze slightly, her attention breaking.
“I think… someone’s knocking,” she whispered, gently pushing him.
Atharva barely paused, his lips brushing her neck again. “Let them.”
“Atharva…” she insisted, pushing him back this time. “Go check.”
He groaned softly, clearly annoyed. “God… I used to be better when I didn’t listen to you.”
“Go,” she said firmly.
Reluctantly, he turned off the shower and stepped out, muttering under his breath, “Whoever it is… they’re not surviving today.”
Maya smiled to herself, quietly standing near the bathroom door, peeking out.
Atharva, still slightly wet, walked to the bedroom door and opened it.
Anvi stood there.
"Of course.As expected,” he sighed dramatically. “Who else but you could ruin such a perfect moment?”
Anvi crossed her arms. “Why are you two always busy romancing?”
“You also have a husband,” Atharva shot back. “But no—you need Maya all day.”
Anvi rolled her eyes. “Please. You don’t leave her for even a second.”
He leaned against the doorframe. “Reason for coming here? I’m sure it’s not just to disturb us.”
She glared at him. “Dad has called everyone downstairs.”
“Fine. We’re coming.”said Atharva
“Ten minutes,” she added, placing her hand on the door to stop him from shutting it.
Atharva gave her a look.
Then slammed the door anyway.
“We’ll see.”
“God, this man…” Anvi muttered before walking away.
Atharva turned back toward the bathroom—but paused.
Maya wasn’t there.
His eyes shifted toward the closet.
He walked over and tried the door.
Locked.
“Maya…” he called from outside, his tone softer now. “Why are you doing this? Open the door.”
From inside, her voice came, slightly amused. “Didn’t you hear Anvi? Ten minutes. And if I open this door… ten minutes will turn into an hour.”
Atharva groaned. “God… I hate your friend.”
Maya laughed softly. “She’s also your brother’s wife.”
A moment later—
The door opened.
And she stood there.
Dressed in a green saree, sleeveless blouse, her hair left open… effortlessly beautiful.
Atharva’s gaze traveled from her face to her feet, slow… intense.
He stepped closer.
“I was controlling myself…” he murmured. “But if you come in front of me like this—”
Maya placed her hand on his chest, stopping him gently. “Please… I got ready with so much effort. You can continue this later.”
He stared at her for a second.
Then stepped back abruptly.
“Fine. I won’t do anything now.”
And just like that, he walked out of the room—slightly irritated.
Maya called after him—but he didn’t turn.
Instead, she just smiled at herself and went to downstairs.
The entire family was already seated in the hall.
Maya greeted them softly and took a seat on the couch.
“Where is Atharva?” Rajvendra asked.
“He’s coming,” Maya replied.
He nodded. “Alright. I’ll speak once he’s here.”
A few moments passed.
Then—
Atharva entered.
Dressed in a crisp white shirt and black trousers, looking sharp, composed… almost too composed.
Maya couldn’t help it.
“Uff…”
Anvi immediately nudged her. “Close your mouth. He’s your husband.”
They both exchanged a quick smile.
Atharva glanced at Maya briefly.
Just once.
Then walked over and sat beside Dhruv instead.
Not next to her.
The shift didn’t go unnoticed.
Everyone except Rajvendra and Suman caught it.
And somewhere—
That small distance spoke louder than anything else.
Anvi leaned slightly toward Maya, whispering under her breath, “What is this I’m seeing? Is jiju… angry?”
Maya barely reacted. She let out a soft huff, her lips curling faintly. “Angry? I’ll calm him down in five minutes.”
Before anything else could be said—
Rajvendra cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Alright,” he began calmly, looking around at all of them. “Now that everyone is here, there’s something important I need to discuss.”
The room fell silent.
Every gaze turned toward him.
“Atharva… you know about the Goyals, right?”
Atharva gave a short nod.
“They used to be our business rivals,” Rajvendra continued, “but now… they’re our partners.”
He paused briefly, letting that settle.
“They have a daughter and a son. Both of them graduated from Australia… and now they’re running their own businesses. Independently.”
“Nice,” Maya said with a small approving smile. “Self-made.”
Rajvendra nodded. “Yes. So… recently, Kaushal Goyal their father spoke to me…”
A slight pause.
“And he has proposed his daughter’s hand for Veer.”
The words landed heavily.
A wave of shock passed through the room.
Suman’s face lit up instantly. “That’s wonderful news!”
Maya smiled too. “Yeah… a new member will be joining the family.”
“And finally, I’ll get some company,” Anvi added with a grin.
Nidhi leaned forward eagerly. “So what did you say, mama ji? You said yes, right?”
Now—
Everyone turned toward Veer.
But his face…
It held no happiness.
None at all.
“Veer,” Rajvendra called gently.
Veer exhaled slowly, then spoke—firm, unwavering.
“I’ve said this before… and I’m saying it again. I don’t want to get married. To anyone.”
The room stilled.
Suman frowned. “But why not? What’s the reason?”
Veer glanced at her briefly… then looked away.
“You all already know the reason,” he said quietly, before turning to leave.
“Maya,” Atharva’s voice cut in sharply. “That’s the reason, isn’t it?”
Veer stopped.
Turned.
Their eyes met.
Atharva stood up slowly, stepping toward him. His expression had changed—something darker, more controlled, yet more dangerous.
One by one, the others rose too, sensing the tension rising.
“I didn’t say that,” Veer replied, his tone restrained. “I just… don’t feel like getting married right now.”
“Reason?” Atharva asked coldly.
Veer hesitated. “Bhai… you also didn’t marry early. I just want to focus on my career right now—”
“You’re 29,” Atharva cut him off. “And already successful. So what’s the problem now?”
No one spoke.
Because everyone in that room knew the truth.
But no one wanted to say it out loud.
“I’ll get married when I feel like it,” Veer said, his voice tightening. “Till then… please don’t force me.”
Atharva took another step closer.
“You still love Maya, don’t you?”
The question hit like a slap.
Every gaze instinctively shifted toward Maya.
She stood there… silent… her eyes fixed only on Atharva and Veer.
“Bhai…” Veer exhaled, frustrated. “Why do you always bring this up?”
“Yes or no,” Atharva said, his voice hard. “I don’t want to hear anything else.”
Maya quickly stepped forward, grabbing Atharva’s hand. “Atharva, let’s go—”
But neither of them moved.
They were locked in place.
Locked in each other’s eyes.
“Answer me, Veer.”asked Atharva
A beat.
Then—
“Yes.”said Veer
The word fell quietly.
But it echoed.
Maya’s eyes shut briefly, as if bracing herself. She didn’t say a word.
She just stood there.
Still.
Atharva’s jaw clenched, his fists tightening.
“Why?” he demanded, anger rising uncontrollably. “I told you not to let this happen again. Then why?”
Veer let out a bitter breath. “Why didn’t your love end?” he shot back. “If yours didn’t… how can you expect mine to?”
Atharva stepped closer, his voice turning dangerously low. “She is my wife. I have every right to love her. You don’t.”
Veer gave a faint, almost helpless smile. “Rights? I’ve never crossed any limits. Never forced anything. But feelings…” he paused, glancing at Maya, who stood with her head lowered, “…feelings don’t just disappear because you want them to.”
That was it.
Atharva grabbed his collar.
“Why can’t you understand?” he snapped. “She is mine!”
Everyone rushed forward.
Maya grabbed Atharva’s arm tightly. “Leave him!”
Neither of them moved.
“Atharva!” she shouted this time. “Leave him!”
For a second—
It looked like he wouldn’t.
Then suddenly, he shoved Veer away and stepped back.
His eyes flickered to Maya for a brief moment—
Unreadable.
And then he walked out.
Just like that.
The room remained frozen.
Heavy.
Silent.
Maya looked at Veer for a moment—he was fine.
Then she turned… and followed Atharva.
—
Atharva stood near the car, his back to her, his breathing still uneven.
Maya stopped a few steps behind him.
“Your anger will never calm down, will it?” she said quietly.
No response.
She walked around, standing in front of him now.
“No matter how much I try… you’re still the same,” she continued, her voice steady but firm. “It’s been a year, Atharva. And still—this anger, this jealousy… why? He’s your brother.”
Atharva looked at her.
Just once.
Then suddenly, he stepped forward, backing her against the car.
“Stop taking his side every time, Maya,” he said, his voice low, controlled—but laced with warning. “Or else—”
“Or else what?” she cut him off, her eyes meeting his without fear. “You’ll become the same man again? The one you were a year ago?”
His grip tightened on her shoulders.
“I can do whatever I want, Maya,” he said, his tone dark, intense. “And you won’t be able to stop me.”
A pause.
His voice lowered slightly.
“But I’m trying to control myself. My anger.”
His eyes locked into hers.
“So don’t take advantage of that.”
Maya pushed him lightly, a flicker of frustration crossing her face. “Fine. Do whatever you want.”
Without waiting for his response, she turned to leave.
But she didn’t get far.
In the very next second, Atharva caught her by the arm and pulled her back—right into him.
Too close.
Her breath hitched slightly, her heartbeat quickening without permission.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Atharva’s gaze was fixed on her—intense, unreadable, almost consuming.
Maya swallowed, her voice faltering just a little. “W… what now?”
His lips curved faintly, but his eyes remained sharp. “You’ve been with me for so long… and still, the moment I come close, you get this… nervous?”
Maya held his gaze for a second… then looked away.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, trying to steady her voice. “Now let me go… everyone must be waiting.”
“Then why did you come after me?” he asked quietly. “If you had to leave anyway?”
She frowned slightly, then shot back, “Because you’re impossible… that’s why.”
A faint smirk touched his lips.
Slowly, he leaned closer—his gaze dropping to her lips.
And just then—
“Sir!”
Rana’s voice cut through the moment.
Maya instinctively stepped back a little, but Atharva didn’t let her go.
Not even an inch.
Without even looking at Rana, he said flatly, “Ten minutes.”
Rana nodded silently, head lowered, and walked away.
Maya glanced at him, a hint of disbelief in her expression. “At least when someone shows up… you could step back.”
Atharva finally looked at her, his grip still firm.
“I won’t,” he said calmly. “No matter who’s standing in front of me.”
For a second—
They just looked at each other.
Something unspoken passing between them.
Then, without another word, they turned—
And walked back toward the hall together.
Neither of them noticed—
Not the way his hand still lingered on her arm…Not the way she didn’t really pull away…Not the way the distance between them kept disappearing, again and again.
Because somewhere—
Far from their sight…
Hidden behind the shadows of another balcony, partially concealed by the thick branches of a tree—
A camera lens gleamed faintly under the sunlight.
Click.
Their balcony.
Click.
The parking lot.
Click.
Every moment—captured.
Every glance—recorded.
The figure stood at a distance, face hidden, movements precise… careful. As if they had been waiting for this.
Watching.Tracking.Planning.
Another click echoed softly.
And this time—
The camera zoomed in.
Perfectly framing Atharva and Maya walking back together… unaware… unguarded.
A slow, almost sinister pause.
Then—
The camera lowered slightly.
And the figure disappeared into the shadows.
Leaving behind nothing—
Except silent evidence.And a storm…
That hadn’t begun yet.