Atharva raisinghanis rule begins
It was early afternoon.
A quiet stillness rested over the house, broken only by the faint ticking of a clock and the soft rustle of papers.
Atharva sat in his study, immersed in work, his sharp gaze fixed on the documents in front of him. The sunlight streaming through the tall windows cast long shadows across the room, highlighting the intensity etched on his face.
Just then, the door creaked open.
Maya stepped in.
Atharva’s eyes lifted instantly, scanning her from head to toe—slowly, deliberately, as if measuring something unspoken.
His voice followed, calm yet edged with authority.
“Where are you going?”
“Shopping,” Maya replied casually, walking further inside.
His brows furrowed slightly.
“Why? If you need anything, tell me. All the designers will come here. There’s no need for you to go anywhere.”
Maya stopped right in front of him, meeting his gaze without hesitation.
“I’m not doing this for myself,” she said. “We’re hosting a party for the employees, right? I thought… why not give them gifts too? It’ll be better.”
Atharva leaned back slightly, resting his fingers against his chin, studying her.
“Do you even know how many employees are in the entire company?”
Maya smiled faintly, unfazed.
“I don’t need to give gifts to everyone. Just the leaders… and for the rest, we’ll increase their bonus and salary.”
His tone sharpened.
“Tell someone else to do it. You don’t need to go.”
For a moment, Maya just looked at him.
Then, without warning, she moved closer and gently sat on his lap, her presence soft yet disarming.
“Please… let me go,” she murmured, her voice light but persuasive. “I feel like going out… and eating something spicy too. Anyway, what will I even do sitting at home?”
Atharva inhaled slowly, trying to hold his ground.
“But—”
Before he could finish, Maya placed her hand over his lips, silencing him.
“Please.”
For a brief second, time seemed to pause.
Atharva stared at her—really stared—his grip tightening slightly around her hand as he pulled it away.
“Just a while ago you were scared,” he said quietly, his voice lower now, more dangerous. “And now you want to go out? You won’t be scared?”
Maya tilted her head, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
“I’m not going alone. Nidhi is there, Veer is there, Kriti is there… and even you can come.”
Atharva exhaled, defeated for a moment.
“Okay. Let me—”
His words were cut short.
His phone buzzed.
A message flashed across the screen.
He picked it up, his eyes scanning quickly.
It was from Rana.
The postman… the one who had delivered the parcel… was dead.
Something dark flickered in Atharva’s eyes instantly. The calm vanished. What replaced it was cold, controlled rage.
He slowly placed the phone aside.
“No. You can’t go,” he said, his tone final now. “Whatever you need, tell me. I’ll bring it. Or I’ll send someone.”
Maya pulled away from him, irritation flashing across her face.
“I am going,” she snapped. “And if it’s such a problem, then send bodyguards.”
Without waiting for his response, she turned and walked out.
Atharva stood up immediately, moving to stop her—
But his phone rang again.
Rana.
He clenched his jaw before answering.
“Yes, Rana.”
“Sir, the postman is dead… but a person has been captured in the street cameras. The face isn’t visible… completely covered from head to toe.”
“Someone must have seen him,” Atharva said sharply. “People around the area.”
“I’m trying, sir… but no one is ready to say anything.”said Rana
Atharva’s expression hardened further.
“Okay. Send me the location. I’m coming.”
He ended the call and walked downstairs, his mind already racing.
As he stepped out toward his car, something made him pause.
His gaze shifted.
Maya.
“Has Maya left?” he asked one of the bodyguards.
“Yes, sir. A few minutes ago.." said bodyguard..
Atharva nodded once.
“Okay. You and Rocky—stay with her. Don’t leave her alone.”
They nodded immediately.
Without another word, Atharva got into the car and drove off, another bodyguard accompanying him.
—
On the other side…
Maya stood outside a massive gift shop—one of the most expensive in the city. The glass walls shimmered under the sunlight, displaying luxury items inside.
She walked in with Nidhi, Veer, and Kriti.
The atmosphere inside was elegant, almost overwhelming, filled with rows of beautifully wrapped items and carefully curated gifts.
One by one, they began selecting gifts.
Laughter, light conversations, and occasional debates filled the air as they moved through the aisles.
After some time, everything was finalized.
“Well… all the gifts are done,” Maya said, stretching slightly. “And now I’m hungry.”
Veer’s eyes lit up instantly.
“So? Spicy, tangy pani puri?”
Maya and Nidhi exchanged a glance before nodding eagerly, smiles breaking across their faces.
“Let’s go then!” Veer grinned.
They all started heading out.
Just then, Maya noticed Kriti instructing the staff to load all the gifts into the car.
Maya walked up to her.
“Come on, let’s eat first. This can be done later.”
Kriti hesitated.
“But ma’am, I should stay with—”
“Let’s go,” Maya said, cutting her off gently but firmly.
Within moments, all four of them left.
And then…
It began.
Pani puri. Bhel puri. One street snack after another.
The roadside buzzed with life—vendors calling out, the sizzling sounds of food being prepared, the aroma of spices filling the air.
Maya laughed freely, something rare and unguarded.
They talked, joked, teased each other—completely lost in the moment.
Ice creams replaced the spicy snacks, their laughter blending with the chaos of the street.
But they weren’t alone.
Behind them, Rocky and another bodyguard followed closely, their eyes constantly scanning the surroundings.
Alert.Watching.Protecting.
And far from them…Inside a parked car..A man sat silently.
His eyes fixed on them.A camera in his hands.
Click.
Click.
Click.
Every moment… captured.Every smile… recorded.
He lifted his phone and made a call.
“Hello, boss,” he said quietly. “She’s right in front of me. What should I do?”
There was a pause.
Then a voice responded from the other side.
“I’ll ask the boss… I’ll call you back. Till then… keep watching them.”
The man’s lips curled into a faint, unsettling smile.
His eyes never left Maya.
“Should we watch a movie?” Maya said suddenly, her eyes lighting up with a spark of excitement. “It’s been so long since we went out like this anyway.”
Nidhi smiled instantly, nodding in agreement.
“Yes, bhabhi… the theatre has its own kind of fun.”
Veer, already scrolling through his phone, smirked slightly.
“Done. Seats are booked.”
Maya looked at him, impressed, a soft laugh escaping her lips.
“Wow, Veer… I didn’t even finish saying it and you’ve already done it.”
Veer ran his hand behind his head, pretending to be casual, though there was a hint of pride in his expression.
“Ah… I just…”
Kriti stood quietly beside them, her eyes observing everything—every glance, every shift in tone. She noticed more than she showed, but as always… she said nothing.
—
A while later, the four of them entered the theatre.
The movie had already started.
The dim glow of the giant screen flickered across their faces as they walked in, the sound of background music echoing through the hall. They settled into their seats, each holding popcorn, the buttery aroma blending with the chilled air.
They sat in a single row.
Veer intentionally took the seat beside Maya.
Kriti sat next to Veer.
And Nidhi took the seat on Maya’s other side.
The screen flashed scenes of drama and chaos… but none of them knew that something far darker was about to unfold in real life.
—
On the other side…
Atharva reached the location Rana had sent.
The narrow street was crowded, tension hanging thick in the air. A few people gathered near the spot where the postman’s body had been found.
Rana was already there, talking to the locals.
The moment Atharva stepped out of his car, a visible shift ran through the crowd.
Fear.
Unease.
People straightened, glancing at each other nervously.
Atharva walked toward them, his presence commanding, his eyes cold and sharp as they scanned every face.
Fear was written clearly in their expressions.
He stopped in front of them.
“Did anyone say anything?” he asked Rana.
Rana shook his head.
Atharva exhaled slowly, then looked at the crowd again.
“Listen,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “You don’t need to be afraid. We just need to know one thing… did any of you see the face of the man in the black hoodie?”
Silence.
People looked at each other… but no one spoke.
Atharva’s gaze hardened slightly.
“If you want… I can pay you for the information.”
Still nothing.
His jaw tightened.
“It’s very important for me to know about that man,” he said, his voice dropping lower, heavier. “Someone’s life is at stake.”
A man from the crowd finally stepped forward, hesitant.
“But… why are you asking about yourself?”
For a moment—
Everything stilled.
Atharva’s brows furrowed as he turned to look at Rana. Both of them were equally confused.
Then Atharva looked back at the man.
“What do you mean… myself?”
The man frowned, almost surprised.
“Sir, that day… you were the one who came to Suresh. You gave him that box and told him to deliver it to your house.”
Shock hit instantly.
Atharva and Rana both stared at him.
“What?” Atharva’s voice sharpened. “I’ve never even been in this street.”
The man shook his head insistently.
“Why would I joke, sir? I saw you with my own eyes. Suresh even introduced you to me… and that’s why no one here is taking your name. Everyone is scared.”
Atharva ran a hand over his forehead, his fingers pressing lightly as his teeth clenched against his lower lip.
Rana quickly stepped in.
“What else did that man say that day?”
The man sighed, his voice softening.
“Nothing much… just told Suresh to deliver the box to his house. After he left, I asked Suresh why the man didn’t take it himself… but Suresh said he didn’t know. He was paid, so he delivered it… and then…”
His voice broke slightly.
“…then Suresh died.”
Emotion flickered across his face.
—
A few steps away, Atharva stood beside his car, lost in thought.
His mind was racing.
Something wasn’t right.
Something far bigger was unfolding.
Rana approached him, still trying to process everything.
“Sir… how is this even possible?”
Atharva’s eyes darkened.
“He used my face, Rana,” he said slowly. “My identity. My mask.” His jaw tightened. “He’s planning something big.”
Rana nodded quickly.
“And sir… the number from which you got the call—we tracked it. It was from a public telephone booth.”
Atharva fell silent for a moment.
Then—
A cold, dangerous smile touched his lips.
“Hmm…” he murmured. “Whoever this is… he has challenged me.”
His eyes hardened with deadly resolve.
“And I don’t let people like that walk away.”
—
On the other side…
Inside the theatre—
The movie played on.
The audience sat absorbed, unaware of what was about to happen.
And then—
Suddenly—
The lights came on.
Bright.
Blinding.
And before anyone could react—
Gunshots echoed through the hall.
Loud. Sharp. Terrifying.
Maya flinched violently, her heart skipping a beat as panic spread instantly. Nidhi, Kriti, and Veer froze, fear gripping them.
Men appeared.
Armed.
Masked.
They fired bullets toward the ceiling, the deafening sound sending the entire audience into chaos.
Screams filled the theatre.
People started panicking, trying to run.
The men stood tall, holding large guns, their faces completely hidden behind masks.
One of them scanned the crowd carefully.
Then—
He pointed toward Maya and her group.
“Leave them,” he ordered coldly. “Everyone else… get out.”
Maya, Veer, Nidhi, and Kriti looked at each other, fear evident in their eyes.
Before they could even move—
Two armed men approached from both sides, pointing guns directly at them, trapping them in place.
The rest of the men began forcing the audience out.
Within minutes—
The entire theatre was empty.
Except for them.
A suffocating silence settled in.
Veer clenched his fists, his voice filled with anger.
“Do you even know who we are?”
One of the masked men laughed.
“We know. That’s exactly why you’re here.”
Veer’s expression darkened.
“What do you want?”
The man turned his gaze toward Maya.
“Maya Raisinghani.”
Maya’s eyes widened.
Shock rippled through all of them.
Before anyone could react—
Two men grabbed Maya forcefully, dragging her out of her seat.
At the same time, the others seized Veer, Nidhi, and Kriti, pulling them away and holding them on the other side.
“Leave me!” Maya struggled, her voice shaking with anger and fear. “Who are you people? Let me go!”
The man stepped closer, his eyes fixed on her.
“You’re Atharva’s wife… aren’t you?”
The moment his name was spoken—
Everything changed.
Maya stiffened.
“Yes,” she said, forcing strength into her voice. “And if my husband finds out you’ve touched me like this… he won’t spare you.”
The man laughed.
A cold, cruel laugh.
He suddenly grabbed Maya’s hair tightly, forcing her head back.
“He’ll find out… later,” he said, his voice dripping with menace. “By then… we’ll be done.”
“YOU BASTARD! How dare you touch her.” Veer roared, losing control.
He lunged forward and punched the man hard.
But before he could do anything more—
Another man stepped in and struck Veer twice, brutally.
Veer fell to the ground.
A series of kicks followed—fast, merciless—into his stomach, knocking the air out of him.
Veer lay on the floor, his body twisted in pain. Blood streamed from his nose, staining the ground beneath him as he groaned, barely able to move.
And completely at their mercy.
"Veer!” she screamed, her voice breaking as she struggled against their grip.
Kriti and Nidhi cried out together, their voices trembling—”
“Veer…!”
“Please… leave him… please…” Maya begged, her voice cracking under fear.
One of the men grabbed Veer by his collar, his fingers tightening around his throat.
“Don’t interfere again,” he growled.
He groaned in pain as they grabbed him, twisting his arms behind his back and tying them tightly.Helpless.
Pinned.Watching.
Then they forced him down onto a seat.
A gun was pointed straight at him, keeping him pinned… helpless.
Another man stepped forward, stopping right in front of Maya.
“After destroying our family… Atharva wants to build his own?” he said coldly.
And then—
He pressed the gun against her stomach.
Maya froze.
Tears streamed down her face as her voice trembled.
“Please… let me go… please…” she begged desperately. “Don’t punish us for Atharva’s past… please…”
The man laughed.
A dark, mocking laugh.
“Past?” he repeated. “He is a mafia. He was a mafia… and he will always be one.”
“No…!” Maya cried, shaking her head frantically. “He left everything… please, forgive us… please…”
The man’s expression twisted with cruel amusement.
“I didn’t expect Atharva Raisinghani’s wife to be this foolish.”
He suddenly grabbed her hair tightly, forcing her head up.
“Once hands are stained with blood…” he said slowly, his voice dropping into something terrifying, “they never truly get clean.”
Maya just stared at him through her tears, her body trembling.
“Leave her!” Veer shouted hoarsely from the floor. “She has nothing to do with this! Why are you punishing her?!”
The man tilted his head slightly, glancing at Veer with mock curiosity.
“Oh… so many lovers for you,” he sneered. “One is the husband… and the other—this devoted brother—trying to become one.”
Veer’s eyes burned with rage.
“Untie me… and I’ll show you who I am.”
The man laughed again—
And punched him hard across the face.
Kriti’s voice rang out, sharp despite the fear.
“What kind of man are you? Showing your strength on someone tied up? Let Atharva sir come once… you won’t even remember your own name after what he’ll do to you.”
The man smirked, looking around.
“Ah… such a lovely family bond. Everyone is speaking for each other.”
Then—
He turned back to Maya.
She stood there, her head lowered, her body shaking, tears falling endlessly.
He stepped closer.
Gripped her hair again.
And forced her to look at him.
Before—
Driving his fist brutally into her stomach.Maya screamed...
“NOOOO!” Veer, Nidhi, and Kriti screamed together.
Maya’s eyes shut instantly, her body jolting from the impact. Blood spilled from her lips, her breath breaking.
“She’s pregnant, you bastard!” Veer roared, his voice raw. “Leave her!”
For a split second—
The man paused.Then looked at Veer.
And punched Maya again.
Harder.
This time, her body went limp, her eyes closing completely as more blood escaped her mouth.
The man grabbed her by her hair again, lifting her weakly.
“Every time Atharva tries to build a family…” he said coldly, “I’ll destroy it.”
And then—
He shoved her.
Hard.
Maya’s body tumbled down the stairs, rolling violently before crashing onto the floor below.
A sickening silence followed.
Her forehead was split, blood pooling beneath her.
Her lips stained red.
Her body still.
Unconscious.
“Maya…!” Veer’s voice broke into a scream. “No… no… Maya!!”
The man gestured to the others.
And just like that—
They all walked away.
Leaving destruction behind.
—
Kriti rushed forward, her trembling hands quickly untying Veer.
Nidhi collapsed beside Maya, lifting her head into her lap.
“Bhabhi…bhabhi… wake up… please…” she cried, shaking her gently.
But there was no response.
Nothing.
Veer stumbled forward, his body aching, his hands shaking as he lifted Maya into his arms.
Her lifeless form made his chest tighten with terror.
He ran.
Nidhi and Kriti followed close behind.
As they stepped outside—
They froze.
Both bodyguards lay on the ground.
Blood pooled around their heads.
They were already dead.
Veer clenched his jaw, panic rising like fire in his veins. Without wasting a second, he rushed to the car and placed Maya inside.
They drove off.
Fast.
Desperate.
—
Within minutes—
They reached the hospital.
“The Panjiyan.”
Veer rushed inside, shouting for help, his voice echoing through the halls as nurses and doctors ran toward them.
Kriti’s hands trembled as she dialed Atharva.
—
On the other side—
Atharva was in the car with Rana, discussing everything, heading back home.
His phone rang.
He answered immediately.
“Yes, Kriti.”
Her voice came out broken, soaked in tears.
She told him everything.
Every word—
Like a knife.
Atharva’s grip on the phone tightened.
“What?” His voice dropped dangerously. “Where are you?”
“The Panjiyan…” she sobbed.
“I’m coming.”said Atharva
—
Back at the hospital—
Veer and Nidhi stood outside the ICU, tears streaming down their faces.
Kriti joined them, her body trembling.
Inside—
Doctors surrounded Maya, trying to stabilize her.
Machines beeped loudly.
Time felt frozen.
—
Veer’s phone rang.
With shaking hands, he answered.
It was Dhruv.
Through broken breaths, Veer told him everything.
Within minutes—
The news spread through the entire family.
—
Soon—
Atharva arrived.
With Rana.
His eyes were wild.
“Where is she?” he demanded.
Veer struggled to speak.
“I… C… U… the doctors… they haven’t come out yet…”
Atharva didn’t wait.
He moved to the glass window, looking inside.
And there—
Maya lay motionless on the hospital bed.
Surrounded by doctors.
Fighting for her life.
Something inside him shattered.
He stepped back.
His hand went to his head.
And slowly—
He sank to the floor.
His eyes closed.
His heart pounded violently against his chest, his breathing uneven—like his entire world was collapsing around him.
He didn’t even realize—
Tears were slipping down his face.
—
One by one—
Family members arrived.
Maya’s family.
Atharva’s family.
The corridor filled with silent grief.
Everyone stood there—
Helpless.
All eyes fixed on the ICU light.
Waiting.
Praying.
Atharva remained on the floor, eyes closed, tears falling unnoticed.
—
After what felt like forever—
The door opened.
The doctor stepped out.
Atharva stood up instantly, rushing toward him.
“Is she fine? She’ll be okay, right? She’s not hurt badly… right?”
The doctor hesitated.
“Look… she has suffered severe internal bleeding. Because of that, her condition is critical… but—”
“But?” Atharva snapped, his patience breaking.
The doctor exhaled slowly.
“We couldn’t save the baby.”
Silence.
A suffocating, crushing silence.
Hands flew to mouths.
Tears broke free.
Atharva didn’t even blink.
“I don’t care about the baby,” he said immediately, his voice raw, desperate. “Maya should be fine. Nothing should happen to her. Whatever you need—just tell me. Any equipment, any machine—I’ll get everything right now. Just… she has to be okay.”
He stepped closer.
Too close.
His eyes turned deadly.
“And if anything happens to her…” he said, his voice dropping into something terrifying, “I’ll burn this entire hospital down—with you in it.”
The doctor stiffened slightly under Atharva’s gaze, fear flickering across his face.
“Sir… nothing will happen to her,” he said quickly.
And without waiting another second, he walked away.
Silence fell again.
Everyone stood there, their eyes unconsciously lifting toward the heavens—praying, hoping, begging.
But Atharva—
He wasn’t praying.
He was burning.
Suddenly, he grabbed Veer by the collar, yanking him forward violently.
“How did this happen?!” he roared. “How did you let this happen?!”
Veer’s eyes were filled with tears, his voice breaking.
“Bhai… I tried… I tried so hard—”
“Tried?” Atharva shouted, his grip tightening. “This is what you call trying?!”
Rajvendra stepped in immediately, holding Atharva back.
“Atharva, leave him. This is a hospital… and he’s injured too.”
For a moment, it looked like Atharva wouldn’t stop.
Then—
He shoved Veer harshly against the wall and turned away, his chest heaving.
His fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white.
Maya’s voice echoed in his mind—
Her asking to go.
Him refusing.
And then letting her go anyway.
“Aahhhh…!” he growled under his breath, running a hand through his hair. “Fuck… I should’ve stopped you… I should have…”
His voice cracked.
“God…”
Around him, everyone continued praying silently.
But nothing could quiet the storm inside him.
—
After what felt like an eternity—
The ICU doors opened again.
Everyone rushed forward.
The doctor looked at them.
“She’s out of danger,” he said.
A collective breath released.
“After some time, she’ll regain consciousness.”
Relief flooded the corridor.
Atharva didn’t wait.
He walked straight into the room.
The others followed—
But the doctor stopped them.
“No. Only one person is allowed. Too many people can cause infection to her wounds. Please… avoid it for now.”
They all nodded reluctantly.
—
Inside the room—
The beeping of machines was steady now.
Maya lay there, fragile, pale… alive.
Atharva’s eyes filled instantly.
He walked slowly toward her… as if afraid she might disappear.
Then—
He sat down near her feet.
For a moment, he just looked at her.
Memorizing her.
Making sure she was real.
And then—
He lowered his head onto her feet.
“Why did I let you go…” he whispered, his voice breaking. “Why…”
His shoulders shook as he cried silently.
For a long time.
After a while, he lifted his head… leaned forward… and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
Then sat there—
Just watching her.
As if nothing else in the world mattered.
—
Outside the glass—
Everyone stood quietly, watching them.
No one spoke.
—
Evening faded into night.
Around 8 PM—
Maya’s fingers twitched slightly.
Her eyelashes fluttered.
Consciousness began to return.
Blurry sounds reached her ears.
Voices.
Two nurses, standing nearby, talking softly.
“Poor girl… what happened to her is terrible…”
“Yes… her first child… and like this…he is dead.”
“And what else can you expect? When you marry into a mafia family… someone sins, someone else suffers…”
The words—
Hit her like knives.Atharva’s face flashed in her mind.
His past.His violence.The men.
Their words.The nurses’ whispers.
Everything—Spiraled together.
Faster.Louder.Uncontrollable.
Tears slipped from her closed eyes, rolling down her temples.
Her fingers tightened around the bedsheet.
Her heartbeat—
Started racing.
The monitor began to beep faster.
Louder.
“Doctor!” the nurses panicked.
Atharva, who was outside speaking to a doctor, rushed in immediately.
The doctors surrounded Maya, checking her quickly.
An injection.
Another.
Within seconds—
Her body stilled again.
Sleep pulled her back under.
The doctor turned to Atharva.
“We’ve given her a sedative. She needs rest… today is very critical.”
Atharva’s voice was low.
“But what happened?”
“Nothing major… she probably regained consciousness briefly, and something triggered her mentally. That caused the spike in her heart rate.”
Atharva’s gaze shifted to Maya.
Something heavy settled in his chest.
—
The night passed.Slow.Heavy.
No one went home.No one ate.They just waited For her.
For morning.
Atharva didn’t sleep.Not even for a second.His entire focus remained on her—
Her heartbeat.The machine.Her breathing.As if the rest of the world had ceased to exist.
—
Next morning—
Maya’s eyes slowly opened.The first thing she saw—Atharva.
Sitting beside her.Watching her.
Then—
The others, standing at a slight distance, smiling softly in relief.
Atharva gently placed his hand on her head.
“Are you feeling better now?”
And suddenly—
Everything changed.Maya’s expression hardened.Her eyes filled with something dark.
Anger.Pain.Hatred.
“Don’t touch me!” she shouted.
The room froze.
Everyone stared at her in shock.
But no one was more shocked than Atharva.
“Maya…?” he said, confused. “What happened? Why are you behaving like this?”
She tried to sit up.
Instinctively, he reached out.
“Don’t—”
She pushed his hand away forcefully.
“I said stay away from me! Don’t touch me!”
Atharva stepped back slightly.
Stunned.
No one understood what was happening.
Arun stepped forward gently.
“Beta… why are you behaving like this with your husband?”
Maya slowly sat up, her face pale but burning with emotion.
“Because everything happened because of him,” she said.
“Everything.”
Silence.Heavy.Unbelievable.
Atharva frowned.
“Because of me?”
“Yes!” she snapped. “Those men came because of you! Because of your filthy past!” Her voice rose with every word.
“How many times did I tell you to leave that world? To come out of all that bloodshed? But you never listened!”
Atharva__“Maya, what are you saying? I left everything a year ago—”
“Lies!” she cut him off sharply. “A huge lie! You’ve just been fooling me all this time. Nothing has changed. Not your work… not your intentions…”
Atharva stepped closer, trying to stay calm.
“Maya… just calm down. Let’s go home first. We’ll talk there—”
“Home?” she let out a bitter laugh. “Only my dead body will go back to that house now.”
“MAYA!” he shouted, losing control. “What nonsense are you saying?!”
Her hand slowly moved to her stomach.
And her voice broke.
“My baby…” she whispered. “My first baby… you took it away from me, Atharva… you took my child…”
Tears streamed uncontrollably.
Atharva’s expression softened with pain. He placed his hand gently on her shoulder.
“Biwi… I feel the pain too… but I’m not blaming anyone—”
“How will you?” she screamed, pushing his hand away again. “When all of this is because of you! You must be satisfied now, right? My child is dead!”
She broke down, crying uncontrollably.
Everyone’s eyes filled with tears.
Atharva knelt in front of her, holding her face carefully.
“Enough… calm down… please…” he said softly, desperately. “You shouldn’t take stress right now. Let’s go home… you need rest. We’ll deal with everything later…”
Maya looked at him through her tears.
For a moment—
There was silence.
Then—
“I want a divorce.”
The words fell like a bomb.
Atharva froze.
His face drained of color.
“What… did you say?” he asked slowly, his jaw tightening.
Maya wiped her tears, forcing herself to stay steady.
“I want to file for divorce,” she said clearly. “I don’t want to stay with you. I hate you… your house… even your shadow.”
Her voice trembled—
But her decision didn’t.
“I want a divorce.”
Arun stepped forward, shaken.
“Beta… don’t take such a decision in anger. You’ll regret it later…”
“It's my final decision,” Maya said coldly, her voice cutting through the room like glass. “I can’t stay with this man even for a moment.”
“Beta—” Rajvendra tried to intervene gently.
“I said enough!” Maya snapped, her voice rising sharply. “Why is it so hard for you people to understand?”
Silence fell instantly.
No one dared to speak.
Just moments ago, Atharva’s eyes were filled with fear… love… desperation.
Now—
They burned with something else.Something darker.He looked at Maya.
And she looked right back at him.
Both watching at each other—
Fueled by anger.
Fueled by pain.
“And you know what?” Maya continued, her voice laced with bitterness.
“It’s good… whatever happened. At least your filth won’t grow inside me anymore.” Her lips trembled, but her words didn’t stop.
“Otherwise, that child would’ve been like you… and I don’t even want your shadow on my child.”
That was it.
Something inside Atharva snapped.
In the next second—
His hand shot forward, gripping her throat.
He pulled her closer—
So close their breaths collided.
His eyes—
Dark.
Dangerous.
Shaking with rage.
“For one year…” he said, his voice low, trembling with suppressed fury, “every single day… every single moment… I was changing myself for you.”
His grip tightened slightly.
“I left everything you hated… I tried to become everything you wanted… I did everything you asked.”
His jaw clenched.
“And what did I get in return?”
His eyes burned into hers.
“What did you just call my child?” he whispered, dangerously. “My filth?”
Maya didn’t back down.
Her teeth clenched, her eyes blazing with equal fire.
“That’s exactly what you are, Atharva Raisinghani.”
A slow, terrifying shift crossed his face.
He pulled her even closer.
“This… you shouldn’t have done, Maya,” he said quietly, his voice far more dangerous now than his anger.
“You made a mockery of my love… of my feelings… in front of everyone.”
A pause.Heavy.Deadly.
“And I won’t forget this.”
His grip loosened just slightly—
But his eyes didn’t.
“Nor will I ever let you forget it.”
Maya held his gaze, unflinching.
“That’s why I’m saying—give me a divorce,” she said firmly. “You go your way… and I’ll go mine.”
For a second—
Atharva just stared at her.
Then—
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
But it wasn’t warm.It wasn’t soft.
It was cold.Possessive.Terrifying.
“I’ll destroy you,” he said quietly. “Completely. Along with myself if I have to.”
His eyes darkened further.
“But I won’t let you go away from me.”
A pause.
“Just wait… and watch.”
They stood there—
Locked in each other’s gaze.Burning.
Breaking.
And somewhere in between—
Loving… in the most dangerous way possible.
Around them—Everyone watched.
Helpless.
Because what stood before them now wasn’t just a relationship breaking—
It was a war beginning.