62| Destruction and Her?
My mind is a storm, heart too still I can't feel if it's beating.
Everything that unfolded a while ago is messing up with me a little too much. Mom! She wasn't weak. She was kind, too kind. And her kindness was hunted by her own people, by that father of hers who chose the throne over everything... even his own daughter.
All to build a Kingdom on graves of his own blood.
Legacy?
Fucking Rot.
Hriday Singh Rajvansh.
I want his blood soaking my hands while I tear him piece by piece. Never in my life have I starved for someone's blood like this. After mom, I didn't grow up learning love, but certainly know how to hunt demons.
I drive with steady hands. Rain outside blurs the world, soaking the streets, the people.
Vidyut's words keep echoing in my ears. I didn't trust him, not for a second-that fucker was one of them. Every nerve in my body screamed to slit his throat the moment he opened his filthy mouth, I held back.
His life is a need right now, he cannot die, not an easy death.
My gaze snaps back to the road. The rain is relentless, smashing against the windshield, loud like the war inside me. The difference is, I'm holding my storm back. Because the moment I'll let it break, nothing will survive it.
My hand moves smoothly on the steering, calm, while my mind pieces together the game I'm stepping into once again.
Rome waits.
And tomorrow is everything!
The mess flipping the game- Aayansh's body double. He's been living with us for two months now, dismantling our world bit by bit.
Same face. Same voice.
And his presence?
That bastard has isolated Tara. No one knows where she is. How she is. The thought of anything wrong happening to her boils my blood, and scares me at the same time.
My Aayansh, my brother, I know no one can touch him. But what if-
No.
I force the thought down.
He's trapped.
Almost certainly in Rome.
I can't let anyone know what I know. Not yet. Not even let the imposter suspect that I'm aware who he really is.
One wrong move. One wrong word.
And he can harm tara any second.
According to their plan, the imposter is supposed to bring Tara and me to Rome. Hriday's Kingdom. There he'll put on a grand spectacle... kill both of us in front of Aayansh's eyes and claim the throne soaked in our blood.
So for now, Tara is safe.
He can't touch her, not yet.
And me?
I'm pretty well aware he's going to set the trap for me, to take me to Rome. And this time, I'm going to step into it myself.
A risk not taken to die, but to kill.
My phone rings, snapping me out of the thoughts. I glance at the screen. Enzo!
Consigliere of my syndicate. And that's when I realise I'd commanded him to keep an eye on Vidyut, on his every move. Enzo must be calling to give some update.
I pull the car over and answer before the call fully connects.
"Enzo- any update?"
Silence.
Then his voice, low, tense.
"Donna, my tail's on vidyut. And right now, he's with your father and uncle-private casino, basement floor. I can't catch every word... but,"
A beat.
"... they're plotting something. And it's wicked."
My eyes narrow.
"Patch me in," I command, masking the fury in my throat.
There's a brief rustle on the line, Enzo's exhale carrying over.
I don't answer. I wait, muscles tensed, eyes on the rain-slicked road, letting the silence stretch before jumping to any conclusions.
Then finally, their voices cut through the line-
"Father-in-law still scheming at this age... interesting. But what exactly do you want from us, vidyut? What's in it for us in all this?"- Aaryan Oberoi.
"You accused me of your father's murder, sir. Yet here I am, years later... still sitting here, discussing your profit in this game."
"Say clearly," Aaryan's tone hardens.
I hear Vidyut's chuckle, then "Your father-in-law, Camorra's godfather as of today. I've served him loyalty for years, and all I got in return was disgrace. So now-" a pause, a cold smirk in his voice.
"It's time we look for 'our' profit."
"Your father-in-law is an old man. He's enjoyed power long enough. So killing him won't be murder, it'll be a clearance. A clean path for you to take the throne."
For a moment, none of them speak.
This fucker vidyut, he's playing. Luring them with a certain purpose. He fed me a story in the name of confession, now feeding these both another.
Dual loyalties?
Bullshit.
Vidyut Dhanrajgir will never go against Hriday Singh Rajvansh, not willingly. So this sudden rebellion in front of them? Another move in Hriday's game.
And this silence on the line?-
It means these idiots are thinking about it.
"What's in your mind, Vidyut?" Chachu.
"Tomorrow's evening in Rome won't be ordinary- it's the Empire's eve-Where the new ruler claims the throne in this dark world.
Your son has owned the throne for years.
We can't shake him. But hriday will also be there, still a strong name.
If he dies there... the camorra becomes a Kingdom without an heir.
His power, prosperity, everything goes vacant. "
Another pause.
"And you..."
"You'll be standing there as his son-in-law, ready to claim what's left."
Aaryan: "And you think killing that man will be this easy? He didn't spare his own daughter, what makes you think it won't flip on me?"
"Grow some balls, Sir. If I'm planning his death, it's because I know the places where he bleeds. I was his most trusted man once, you just have to follow my lead."
Fucker!
He's keeping his mouth shut about everything-Hriday's trap, Aayansh being caged, the damn body double living between us. Not a word about me and Tara on next in his kill list. Not even that he confessed every detail to me just hours ago.
I was right.
He's playing both sides, Hriday's pawn. And thinks he's smart enough to get away with it.
"So tomorrow's evening in Rome-" Vidyut's voice pulls my attention back, "will breathe war."
And the call gets disconnected.
I lean back in the seat, not puzzled, just alert. What if everything Vidyut said was a lie? No, my instinct isn't wrong. He told the truth, only twisted it in his manipulation. It just didn't work on me.
But why is he taking Aaryan and Rithvik Oberoi to Rome?
Maybe because they're pieces on the chess board he needs, their presence might serve in hriday's conspiracy.
I shut my eyes for a second. I can't make any move before the imposter. One wrong step, and he'll know I'm onto him.
Just a matter of hours!
Thunder growls outside. Rain hitting the world like bullets. Driving in this mess would be stupidity, so I wait.
Staring outside, my gaze hooks on a little girl clutching her mother's hand, both of them laughing as they run toward a small cottage, the rain soaking their clothes but not their joy.
For a second, everything inside me stills.
That used to be my world once... her hand, her warmth, her smile.
I pull my gaze away from them, realising my eyes are getting moist. It's been years since I've stopped feeling anything, and now this...
I open the car's door and step outside, not caring about the rain soaking through my clothes instantly. The cold wind touches my face, soothing. I keep walking in the soaked street, nowhere in particular, just away from the weight sitting in my chest.
Sometimes, even devils need a moment to sit and feel.
I'm human.
I stop near an empty bench, my steps slowing on their own. I tilt my face up, feeling the heavy drops hitting my face.
"Ms. oberoi?"
This voice? My eyes snap open.
I turn, rain blurring my vision for a second before the figure sharpens.
Malang Deewan.
He's rushing toward me, an umbrella in one hand, tension on his face, and eyes locked on me like I've just committed a sin by standing in the rain.
I don't trust myself, if I stop, I'll kill this fucker without a second thought. So I ignore him completely and turn toward the direction where my car is parked.
Rain grounding me.
"Ms. Aashika?-" He calls again, footsteps splashing behind me.
I don't budge.
Not now, not when my hands are itching for a throat to crush.
He doesn't stop trying.
"Aashi-"
That freezes me.
My real name.
A name I buried long before I buried my childhood.
I turn, slowly, rain trailing down my face like it's tracing old scars. Malang stands a few steps away, chest rising with panic, umbrella trembling in his grip.
"What did you just say?"
My voice comes out low... too low.
Not anger. Not surprise.
Something far more dangerous.
Malang's eyes drop to the ground before meeting mine again. "Aashi."
My jaw clenches.
He notices, of course he does. His breath falters, panic creeping in as he blurts with a disgusting smile "It-It's a cute name, isn't it?"
A storm builds inside me, but I keep every ounce of it chained behind my ribs.
"Do not call me that again" I step closer, each step deliberate, his breath hitches.
But he's already doomed.
I turn away, not sparing him another moment. Yet this dickless man doesn't quit, his steps are timid this time, hesitant like he finally understands the danger he's poking.
Then out of nowhere, he screams "Ms. Oberoi, you're getting wet."
For fuck's sake-
I stop again, turn and shoot him a death glare.
He trips over his own tongue "I-I meant by rain."
"Stop getting on my nerves, doctor." I snap the final warning if he has half a brain left to grasp it.
He just stares, like I said doomed. His umbrella flies away. Then I hear a thud on wet asphalt, and my eyes freeze on him when I find him dropping to his knees before me, on the goddamn road.
People glance. Cars slow.
But the idiot doesn't blink, staring into my eyes with intensity but the guilt in them is real. Rain lashing down his face, I look around with embarrassment but maintain the quiet.
Malang swallows, then breathes out "I may be a womaniser, aashika. But that time, I didn't touch you with any impure intention."
"I swear on my damned manhood." He continues, brutally honest "which you injured that day, I'm not blaming you. But now, it only wakes up for women who show interest in me."
The fuck this man is?
How can he say these words with dead seriousness?
His eyes locked onto mine with all confidence and sincerity according to him. "I respect you," He says, "the respect I usually don't give people-"
"Stop this drama" I spit, opening my car door. I slide into the seat, hands finding the steering as I avoid meeting eyes with the Bastard one more time.
Irritated more than needed.
I start the car.
Evening has already settled in by the time I reach the palace. Handing the keys to the driver, I step inside, only to find Chachi and Riva seated in the hall.
I walk toward them. "Where is everyone, Chachi?"
She lifts her head, her tone flat. "Bhaisahab and your Chachu left for a business trip. Rhea went for her college outing. Rivaan is busy with work... and Aayansh and Tara-" she shrugs lightly, "It's been days since there's no idea where those two are."
Aaryan and Rithvik Oberoi have already flown to Rome, under the name of business. I can go there too, using the same excuse. No one would raise a suspicion because business is mine just as much.
I nod and head toward my room, my steps urgent but controlled. My fingers are already dialing one of my men, voice low and clipped the moment he picks up.
"Arrange the jet. I'm leaving for Rome."
No questions. No hesitation. Just obedience on the other side of the line.
My brother is trapped there.
And Tara... she'll be taken to Rome by the body double himself.
So tomorrow night in rome-
is going to be long.
And bloody.
Aayansh's Private Villa| 7.51 P.M
As we reach the bathroom, Aayansh sets me under the shower. I still don't let go. Clinging to him, my breath breaks against his chest, body shaking.
Ever since he has stormed into my life, normal has ceased to exist. Blood. Bodies. The evils and monsters that horrifies me, this was never my world. And even now, I know I'm not built for these brutalities of his, they can never feel familiar to me.
My feet resting on his, my weight entirely settled on him and face hidden against his chest.
As I feel the warm water hitting my skin, the chill inside me runs deeper, the drops blurring the world around us in haze.
Aayansh detaches from me a little, his eyes drop to my crimson-turned face. I also tip my head up, only to find his emotionless eyes scanning my face, his head slightly tilted on me.
"So my wife is ready for her life's first adventure" He whispers, and his words aren't a question asking for my response, it's a declaration.
But my mind is too consumed with the things revealed. I push them down, I don't let myself think, don't let myself feel and focus on my breathing.
His stare pins me in place, my palms stay on his chest as I search his eyes... something comforting, even though I know he's the reason I'm shaking.
I don't realise when he strips the soaked hoodie off me and tosses it aside, leaving me naked before him.
I dip my head but don't move, more tension knotting in my stomach.
His gaze remains on my face as he gets rid of his blood-stained shirt. Water runs over us, soaking our exposed skins.
His hand locks around my waist, pulling me against him. My breasts collide against his hard chest and fingers reach to clutch his shoulders on instinct.
My lashes flutter with the suddenness, still I don't lift my head. A heat coursing through me-a mess of shame, fear, anticipation and anxiety.
"Eyes up" His hoarse voice rings in my ears, commanding.
No.
I don't shift, I can't.
My mind is a storm of so many things.
Many questions.
Aayansh's gaze on me doesn't waver, I can feel it. His voice is calm as ice, his hold tightening around my waist as he drags me close until his breath is all I can feel.
"You know I hate disobedience."
Water drops from his face drip onto mine.
I don't want to, but I shiver.
Slowly, I raise my head up to meet his stare. My lashes are heavy with moisture, which weighs them down.
His unfazed eyes sweep over my face, watching me as if he can sense what's going on inside me just through my eyes.
He leans in, his lips brush my cheek, thumb tracing the hollow beneath my jaw as his one hand caresses my waist. "Who gave you permission to come near my study?" His voice against my skin, it's darkly calm, unhurried.
My breath hitches.
I don't understand if he's comforting me or-
My grip tightens around his shoulders, breath going uneven.
"Aaya..nsh?"
My voice barely comes out, just as a whisper.
He doesn't stop, his mouth trails from my cheek to jaw, before hovering on the side of my neck. "Hm, I'm listening."
Water keeps falling on us.
Steam blurring everything around.
I tilt my head, eyes shutting.
"I-I was looking for you," I breathe out, feeling the heat of his mouth on my skin. "I thought you were back and- and might be waiting for me, but you"
I pause.
The words die on my tongue as my mind flashes back to the body on the floor. Blood pooled, eyes open, and the stillness.
My fingers dig into his skin as I tremble with the discomfort of the remembrance of that.
Aayansh's lips curl darkly against my skin, his words lacking any trace of hesitation or guilt. "-But I was taking someone's life."
I say nothing.
What kind of man is he?
His heart doesn't bend for anyone. Not even me. I've tried to melt him many times but now I know I can't change him. No one can. And yet, he loves me and so do I.
But his love isn't cherishing, it's haunting. It doesn't soothe, it consumes.
He pulls back, making me look at him.
His eyes hold mine, too steady, too sure.
He watches me for a beat, as if he already knows what's burning me. Then suddenly, his fingers curl at my nape, lifting my face up to his as he captures my lips in his mouth.
My hand fists in his wet hair, tugging with everything I have.
He doesn't kiss me gently, but enough to make me forget the world around us. His one hand is still caressing my waist, slowly, my heart steadies.
My lids lowered.
I don't kiss back, just feel him silently.
Aayansh sucks on my lips, deepening the kiss with his passion and hunger.
His hand takes hold of my waist, lifting me just enough to settle me on the edge of the bathroom slab, water still drenching us.
He stands between my legs, pinning me against the cold wall behind, his lips descending to my chin, I moan at the shift.
I need to stop him. Not just because I'm already sore from last night, but I'm drained.
His hand finds its way between my inner thighs, fingers brushing my sensitive core.
I squirm, not ready for what he's about to do.
"Aayansh-" I gasp, eyes shutting in dread.
He doesn't budge, his face stays nuzzled in my neck. I feel his exhale against my skin, then the calm that follows as we stay still. My body quivers when his hand grasps my inner thigh "Stop trembling, Amour."
His voice isn't soft, isn't aggressive, just calmly dangerous against my skin."You know I don't control when you're like this- too sensitive."
My breath leaves me in a slow, stunned exhale.
How come someone's fear is a person's turn on?
My chest rises and falls gently, breath still shaky as my eyes meet his blue orbs-unreadable, consuming dark.
Minutes later, we're in the room.
I'm wrapped in a bathrobe, curled into the bed, arms around the pillow as I lie in silence.
My eyes lift when I hear him step out of the closet. Black trousers now on, upper body still bare, his wet hair messy across his forehead, face blunt.
When Aayansh reaches me, without any word, he pries the pillow from my arms and tosses it aside, unhurried. Then lifts me by my waist like I weigh nothing. My legs tighten around him. I don't speak.
He settles onto the sofa without letting go, keeping me held exactly where I am. My arms lock around his chest, legs still secure around his waist. He presses a bell on the coffee table, ordering the servants to bring dinner.
As I stay clinged, Aayansh's one hand is on my lower back, with one hand, he's typing something on his phone, I can hear the pings.
"I won't go near your study again." I whisper, without pulling my face out and still in dread.
His eyes don't leave the screen, his expressions don't shift either. "Of course you won't."
My brows draw together in disbelief. I lift my head, searching his face, "What do you mean? Are you going to punish me for this too?"
He sets the phone aside, eyes shifting to me as he tucks a wet strand of hair behind my ear and holds my eyes, unblinking.
"You're in no condition to survive that right now," He says, his tone indifferent "And since you keep on testing my patience." His thumb traces my bottom lip, voice dropping into something calmly lethal. "I have a permanent solution."
Monster!
BLOODY MONSTER.
My hold tightens around him, but I don't ask about his 'permanent solution', not now. I rest my head against his chest and close my eyes, his heartbeats echoing in my ears.
I exhale.
Aayansh's fingers move in my damp hair slowly, his face half buried in the curve of my neck as he breathes me in without a word, his other hand resting on my thigh, beneath the bathrobe.
We stay silent, just inhaling each other's fragrance.
A soft knock on the door.
Getting permission, Lucia, the servant, enters with the dinner trolley. Her steps are careful and timid. She sets everything on the coffee table without daring to lift her eyes on us even once, and leaves just as quietly.
Aayansh adjusts me on his lap, positioning me sideways against his chest. He brings a bite on my lips, and I take it without a word.
He just watches me. I understand, and lift a bite to his lips in return.
We finish dinner like that-quiet, unspoken, close.
When he goes to the balcony for maybe some important call. Quietly-carefully-I ease the fruit knife off the coffee and hide it under the bed's pillow, heart thudding as I pray he wouldn't find it.
God, please! Not this time.
I curl back onto my side and close my eyes before he steps out from the balcony.
The knife is beneath my pillow, but I keep my eyes shut, pretending to be in a deep slumber. The lights go out. I feel him settle on the other side of the bed, before he pulls me onto his chest in one smooth motion. A soft sigh escapes me.
My head settles against his bare chest, his arms caging my waist, his steady breath warm against my skin.
A while passes.
I wait patiently, preventing the tears ready to burn my eyes.
I hold my breath, making sure he can't sense I'm awake. Faint sweat glistens on my forehead as my hand slides under the pillow, fingers closing around the cool metal of a fruit knife I've kept here before he returned.
My heart beats so fast I'm scared if he can hear, but no way I'm backing off.
Slowly, I pry my eyes open, the room is swallowed in near-darkness as I watch him sleeping.
This man is not a human!
I ease off the mattress and get up just enough to target his throat.
My breath stutters.
I bring the knife up, ready to stab him when-
A sharp groan escapes my lips as my arm wrenches back. In the next blink, my wrist is pinned behind my spine, my body dragged flushed against his.
I freeze.
My gaze lifts and my eyes go wide.
His unfazed eyes are already on me, that knowing, devilish smirk on his lips screaming how badly I had fucked up.
Panic claws at my chest.
I try to pull away but cannot move an inch. He's only using his one hand, casual, effortless. Not even using any force.
"Leave my hand," I wince, forcing the words out-"You're not my Aayansh, I'll kill you."
His evil smirk deepens.
As if I'm just a tantrum to be watched.
I'm still fighting to move when he pins both my wrists to the headboard with one hand, I don't realise when the knife fell from my hand.
Fuck him!
Fuck me.
He leans in, his hot breath grazing my ear as he whispers darkly "Beauty with Brain-" He stops, pressing my earlobe between his teeth and making me gasp as he adds, "Wife."
Butterflies!
He pulls back a little and holds my gaze, I hold his. Our breaths mingle, nose touching, silence consuming us.
"You-The Aayansh Oberoi" My eyes burn as I wriggle, struggling to get my hands free. "You always play games, with me, with everyone. Let go of me now!" I hiss, irritation fueling me.
Aayansh doesn't react.
He simply sits up, bringing me with him and suddenly I'm straddling in his lap, knees locked around his waist, chest pressing to his. He still doesn't free my hands, his intense eyes glued to my face.
I'm still mad, forcing myself not to look at him while his calm eyes scan every flicker of me.
His hand closes on my hip, dragging me closer into him. His mouth lowers to my ear "I like this position," My cheeks heat up at his words, realising the way I'm straddling him. Before I can even blink, his voice husks again. "I can fuck you like this for as long as I want."
I swear I don't want to blush, but-
"Aayansh please," I murmur, caught between embarrassment and ache in my voice. I look up at him, heart racing, a storm swelling in my chest.
I lean into him, letting my guard slip as I cuddle him. "You know, for a moment, I really thought what if I was with someone els-"
The words die on my tongue with a shiver crawling through me when I see his eyes darken.
And that's when last night's moment flashes back-when I learned about that body double thing.
Feeling the ache spread through my body, I turn, stretching my arms toward the other side of the bed, only to wake up cold. Aayansh isn't here.
Where did he go at this late hour?
I push the blanket off and realise I'm in his T-shirt, too loose and heavy with his scent.
"Aayansh?" I whisper, rubbing my eyes, scanning the dim room as I'm still sleepy.
Silence answers.
I try to stand, my legs tremble, the ache between my thighs is sharp, but I ignore it and force myself up.
The room is dim, moonlight cascading in through the curtains. I walk toward the balcony to see if he's there.
He is.
He stands there with a calm that chills me, in a black trousers, his bare back to me. Hands braced on the railing as he's staring into the night like it's staring back.
The silence, the darkness... This is his world.
I watch him, and it hits me again: I will never understand this man. Whatever's moving behind his eyes is something far beyond me.
I don't speak. Don't breathe and just stand there, trying to decipher the shape of his silence, but like always, I fail.
"Come here" He says, without turning. The words snap me back to myself. He can sense my presence, obviously.
I hesitate, but walk near him slowly.
My steps are the only sound heard at this moment.
"Aayansh?"
My voice barely leaves me.
I reach him, and he doesn't even need to turn. His arm takes the hold of my waist, calm, deliberate. In the next breath, he lifts me with an unhurried strength and settles me on the cold edge of the railing.
My hands fly to his shoulders, fingers digging in before I can stop myself. I know he won't let me fall. I know it.
But the height, the night, him... it's all enough to steal my breath anyway.
I stare at him, full of things I don't have names for.
His gaze holds me in place, steady and unblinking, face deadly calm as he stands between my knees.
The night air chills my back, but I don't look away from him.
But my breath hitches when I feel my body slipping backwards with off balance. My eyes shut in dread and my hold on his shoulders tightens. "Aayan?-"
A moment of terror, then my eyes flutter open and I realise I'm still alive, I didn't fall. Sitting steady on the railing, Aayansh's eyes on me don't waver, noticing my every gesture.
My eyes drop to his hand on my waist, holding me still without any force, eerily calm.
"You scared me." I mutter breathlessly.
Aayansh's fingers snap over my waist, his eyes locked onto mine, making me forget how to blink as he says "It's time for you to know something."
My brows knit in confusion.
He lifts a hand to my face, his thumb brushing my cheek.
My legs dangle in the air, but I keep my eyes on him, listening to him quietly "You know Amour, every game has rules, and every rule must be obeyed.
Warna zindagiyon se juda khel kab maut mein badal jaaye, you never know.
" His calm, colder tone feels like every word is holding something twisted, which I can't yet grab.
"And this-" His gaze darkens "IS MY GAME."
"Your game?" I blink at him, half confused, half terrified of what his words truly mean.
"My game" He says, his eyes never leaving mine, as if he can read my curiosity and fear all at once.
"Here, I've made rules. Everyone's obeying them.
And you're the most delicate part of this game," His eyes drop to my stomach for a moment "Because you're carrying a part of me. "
"But-" I pressed in a low, amazed voice "Why are you saying all this?"
He leans on my face, his gaze chills me as his fingers cup the side of my neck.
"Because my woman," He says, voice calm and cold "Is going to be part of this war."
"Come back to this moment, Amour" Aayansh's voice pulls me out of my daze, and I look at him.
The world feels quieter around us as I recollect everything about last night, when he talked about his body double.
He hadn't told me the whole thing, only that his imposter had been created to execute a conspiracy against him.
That's what I've understood. The rest? I have no idea what's really going on.
He never lets me know everything, just what he wants me to know, and I hate this.
And now I know I could've never stabbed him. I mean it's obvious when the man before me is far too cunning. I was just trying to play the same way he plays with everyone... even me.
Ugh!
Meanwhile, I'm still lost. My eyes widen when his hand grabs my nape as he holds my face closer to his, our lips brush against each other as I blink at him, heart pounding.
"Get one thing in your tiny head, there's no 'Someone else' between us." He husks, his voice edged with something lethal "Not now. Not ever."
His hand tilts my neck slightly, lips on the lobe of my ear as he murmurs "Are we clear, wife?"
Him and his possessive ass. But I need to deal with it. Because honestly? I wouldn't tolerate anyone between us either, and by anyone, I mean any woman. So this rule goes both ways.
I nod.
"I want to hear your beautiful voice."
"Yes, clear, husband." I whisper playfully.
"Good."
He rests against the headboard, while I'm still straddling him, thinking what does this 'adventure' could possibly mean?
Am I sick to be so thrilled?
But It does feel off, I was only trying to find something-anything-about Mrs. Aaina Oberoi. And then, out of nowhere, her own daughter Aashika told me exactly what I'd been searching for. Yes, I panicked at the way Aashika narrated everything... but genuinely, I wanted to know. Everything.
Everything related to my Aayansh.
And then that same night, Aayansh brought me here. I still don't know why. And now this... this body double of his? I don't even know where he is? Just that he exists.
Not to forget, that dead body in his study?
For a moment, I even felt?-
What if the one told me all this... was Aayansh's double? What if he pretended to be Aayansh and told me all that beforehand, just to win my trust or so... I wouldn't doubt him?
It's possible.
With him, everything is possible.
That's why I was terrified.
But my stabbing experiment confirmed. This is the real Aayansh Oberoi. Because only this man thinks ten steps ahead, twenty-four hours a day. Normal humans don't.
My brain has never worked this hard in all twenty-one-years of my life. Like for fuck's sake? The plotting. I'm not made for this mental gymnastics.
My mind is exhausted, officially.
"Aayansh?" I breathe out, eyes lifting to him who's lighting up the cigar between his lips. He takes a slow drag, then turns his face, exhaling the smoke so not a wisp comes near me.
"Hmm?" He responds, crushing the used cigar in the ashtray on the night stand.
"Doesn't all this... sab kuch ittefaq sa lagta hai na?" I ask, hoping he won't play with my mind this time.
"Meri duniya mein ittefaq ka koi wajood nahi," he says, eyes fixed on mine, voice low and lethal.
"Yahaan jo hota hai, meri marzi se hota hai"
His thumb strokes my cheek.
"Aur jo nahi hota-wo bhi."
Gotcha!
Why is he always like this?
"Yeah yeah" I mutter under my breath, nudging my chin against his chest "So-you brought me here to protect me, right?" I ask, staring into his eyes with intensity.
He doesn't respond, just watches me.
"What?" I whisper, confused.
His lips curve into a small, sadistic smile- "So fucking innocent."
"I'm not," I hiss back, trying to pull away, but his hold doesn't budge. "You never explain anything, and you don't even let me stay mad at you properly."
I finally give in, like always, stopping my protests and submitting to him.
His eyes have turned cold again, he settles my head on his chest.
"Sleep," He murmurs, his tone serious, breath hot against my ear.
I don't argue. My eyelids grow heavier, and before I realise it, I'm melting into him.
Tara, already lost to a heavy sleep, her steady breaths warming Aayansh's bare chest. His eyes stay on her face, unreadable but consuming. No one can guess what's turning in that dangerous mind of his right now.
His face lacks any expression, voice darkly calm as he murmurs "Basically, Destiny is weird" He brushes a loose strand from her cheek, lips curving like a sadist he is "And Basically, I enjoy bending weird things to my convenience."
With just a few quiet words, he announced a coming storm-one that would change everything. Their world is about to shift, and she doesn't even know the epicenter of that destruction... is her.
_?_?_?_?_?_?_?_?__?_?_?_?_?_?_?_?__?_?_?_?_?_?_?_?__?_?_?_?_?_?_?_?__?_?_?_?_?_?_?_?_
THE CHAPTER ALREADY EXCEEDED THE WORD LIMIT, I.E 6K WORDS! SO OFC BOHT PART ADD NAHI KIYA HAI, WO NEXT MEIN HOGA PAKKA. I'LL TRY UPDATE ASAP!
AND VERY GENEROUSLY, I'VE NEVER FORCE ANYONE TO STAY AND READ. ITS COMPLETELY ON YOU TO WAIT OR DROP. AND THOSE WHO WAIT, THANK YOU SO SO MUCH.
LET ME KNOW HOW WAS THE CHAPTER.