The Sinister

25.

Kanha, today is my first day. Please let everything go well. I pray, closing my eyes tightly and joining my hands in front of the idol he made for me.

I slowly open my eyes and bend down, touching his feet to take blessings, hoping he hears every silent word of my heart.

“I’ll drop you” I hear his deep voice from behind and my body stiffens for a second before I turn around. He walks out of the closet, ready for the day.

He wears a dark gray shirt and black pants, his presence strong and impossible to ignore. His eyes fall on me, calm but unreadable.

“I’ll go by myself” I say quietly, looking away from him and grabbing my bag tightly. My fingers clutch the strap as I avoid his gaze.

I am ignoring him and his presence for the last two days because... nothing. Or maybe because everything feels too heavy inside me.

I walk out of the room and start walking downstairs. I can hear his footsteps behind me, following me. Ziddi kaalver.

(Stubborn kaalver)

As I reach downstairs, my eyes fall on the entire family sitting together and having their breakfast. I immediately look away and start walking towards the main door, wanting to leave quietly but a soft voice stops me.

“Sita, dahi shakkar kha kar jao” his mother says gently, walking towards me with a small bowl in her hands.

(Eat curd and sugar before leaving)

I turn towards her and smile softly. Her eyes filled with warmth that makes my heart feel safe. I extend my hand and she carefully places the dahi in my palm. I eat it slowly, feeling her love in that simple gesture.

“All the best for your first day, bhabhi!” all the youngsters shout together from the dining table, their faces bright with excitement as they smile at me.

I smile back at them, my lips curving softly. “Thank you” I say quietly to his mother.

She smiles lovingly and steps closer to me. I look at her, confused. She lifts her pallu and gently wipes my face with slow, caring movements, like a mother. My heart melts instantly at her touch.

“Go or you’ll be late” she says softly. Before I even realize it, my arms move on their own and I hug her slowly. Her body freezes for a second, surprised by my sudden hug and then she stays still, letting me hold her.

I slowly pull back and smile widely at her, my eyes shining, before turning around and walking out of the mansion. He is already sitting inside the car.

“Sita” I hear Tara’s voice calling my name from behind. Her voice is slightly breathless. I turn my head.

“All the best and eat this” she says, placing a small box into my hands. Before I can even reply or thank her, she quickly turns around and runs back inside the mansion. Kitni care karte hai sab meri. Itni acchi bhi nahi hu ab mai.

(Everyone cares about me so much. I am not even that good now)

I stand there for a moment, staring at the box in my hands, feeling something heavy yet warm inside my chest.

I open the car door slowly and sit inside, holding my bag and the box close to me.

Na na kar ke sath hi me ja rahi hai na akhir, my subconscious says with attitude. I press my lips together, annoyed at myself.

(After refusing so much, you are still going with him in the end)

How does he even know that I am starting a job? I clearly do not tell him. I only informed Tara, Grover, Yuv, Om, Ishi, Shurya, his mother, his chachi and no one else. I think deeply, my brows slightly furrowing, as the car starts and slowly moves out of the mansion gates.

His entire focus stays on the road ahead. His hands rest firmly on the steering wheel, his face calm and serious, as if my presence beside him does not affect him at all. Bahut bekar hai ye admi.

Pahle to mujhe se jhut bola aur jab maine ignore kia to ek bar pucha tak nahi ki kya hua mujhe. My chest tightens slightly as the thoughts run inside my mind.

(First he lied to me and when I ignored him, he did not even ask once what happened to me)

Par tujhe fark kiun pad raha hai, my subconscious says again.

(But why does it matter to you?)

I immediately turn my face towards the window and close my eyes tightly, trying to stop my thoughts. What the hell am I even thinking? He is surely doing black magic on me, so that I keep thinking about him all the time and want his attention.

I quickly open my eyes and look down at the box Tara gives me. I open it slowly and a soft smile automatically comes to my face.

She packs breakfast for me. My heart feels grateful instantly. I have not eaten anything since last night because of nervousness and now I feel hungry. I take the sandwich out of its wrapper carefully and bring it closer to my mouth. I take a bite, chewing slowly, feeling the familiar taste.

Tara is the best. unaware that someone orders Tara to do this.

Should I ask him? I think and slowly turn my head to look at him. He is driving, his eyes fixed on the road, his face serious and peaceful at the same time. His hands move smoothly on the steering wheel. I notice he does not eat anything.

My eyes fall on the box in my lap for a second. I will not give him my sandwich.

I lift the box and carefully place it on his thigh, making sure it does not fall. I can feel his gaze shift towards me instantly but I do not look at him. I turn my head towards the window and continue eating my sandwich, pretending like nothing happens. Still, I can feel his gaze on me.

Sita use sandwich nahi, kuch aur khana hai, my subconscious says shamelessly. My eyes widen instantly. My chichora subconscious.

(Sita, he does not want the sandwich, he wants something else)

“When will your shift end?” he asks suddenly. I slightly flinch at the sound of his deep voice breaking the silence.

I turn my head towards him again. He is eating the sandwich I give him. My heart reacts strangely at the sight.

“Why are you asking?” I ask carefully. He looks at me for a second. Just one second. But my heart skips. Ehhhh Sita, focus.

“I’ll go with Anu and Adi after work to spend some time with them” I say quickly, without thinking too much. He nods his head slowly. Nahi nahi kar ke sab bata deti hu mai, ahhhhh.

(I refuse so much but still I end up telling him everything)

“You will teach kids what?” he asks suddenly. I turn my head towards him and look at him with narrow eyes.

“Do you doubt my capability?” I ask, biting my sandwich harder, slightly offended. He immediately shakes his head.

My eyes slowly move upwards and stop on his hair.

I gulp slowly. I want to touch his hair once in my life.

My fingers twitch slightly at the thought.

My eyes shift to his side profile. His jaw is sharp and strong.

His marks, his scars, everything carries its own aura. Every line on his face tells a story.

He looks dangerous. And charming. He looks fine like wine with all these imperfections. I have never, ever seen a man this dangerous and charming.

“I got this scar when I was 8” he says suddenly, pointing towards a scar above his jaw.

My fingers freeze in the air and my eyes fix on that scar instantly. It is darker than the others. Longer than the others. It looks deeper.

“How?” I ask slowly, my voice almost a whisper. My fingers itch to touch that scar, to trace it softly… maybe lovingly.

“They beat me” he replies shortly, his eyes still focused on the road while he chews the last bite of his sandwich. My heart tightens painfully at his words.

“Who?” I ask again, my voice softer now. My fingers almost lift on their own, wanting to move towards his face, towards that scar. But I stop myself. I close my hand tightly into a fist, my nails pressing into my palm.

“You will not believe me if I tell you” he says calmly. My eyes narrow slightly as I look at him.

Why do I want to cry whenever we talk? Why do my eyes fill with tears just by seeing his blank face and hearing his rough voice?

“Do you have any past?” I ask slowly, my eyes moving towards his. He stops the car.

“Yes, I have” he speaks, turning towards me completely. My fingers tighten around my bag strap as our eyes lock. Neither of us looks away. His eyes are deep. Empty. They hold pain I cannot even understand. My heartbeat becomes louder inside my ears.

“I’m going” I say hurriedly, breaking the moment before I do something I will regret for my entire life. I quickly open the car door and step outside.

The air feels colder. I close the door behind me and start walking towards the school entrance without looking back.

But I can feel his eyes on me. I know he is watching me. Still, I do not turn around. Because I am getting weak.

Kanha, I whisper slowly as I step inside. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself.

Zayran’s eyes stay fixed on Sita as she walks inside the school. His gaze follows her until she completely disappears behind the gate.

He slowly starts the car and turns it, taking it towards the highway. His hands rest firmly on the steering wheel.

His eyes suddenly fall on the tiffin box lying beside him. Her half-eaten sandwich is still inside. He does not think twice. He picks up the sandwich and brings it to his mouth, taking a bite without hesitation. His jaw moves slowly as he chews it.

It is always the one who prefers clean and fresh food for themselves not leftovers.

His phone suddenly pings. The sound breaks the silence inside the car. He picks it up and opens the chat, his eyes moving between the road and the phone.

A picture appears on the screen. It's Sita. A picture of a few minutes ago. When she was entering the school. His jaw tightens slightly.

He leans back slightly on the car seat, his eyes now fixed on the road ahead.

Waiting.

The phone suddenly rings. He receives the call and places it on his ear.

“Hello, brother” the person greets from the other side. Zayran presses the accelerator slightly and the car speeds up a little.

“Guess who I am?” the person asks. Zayran does not reply. He just listens.

“Mai hi bata deta hu mai kon hu. Mai hu teri maut, Raze” the person says. A slow smile appears on Zayran’s lips.

(I will tell you myself who I am. I am your death, Raze)

“Itni harami maut hogi meri, pata nahi tha” Zayran says coldly.

(I did not know my death would be this shameless)

He stops the car and steps outside. He walks inside his cabin at one of the ports, his heavy footsteps echoing in the silent space.

Raze laughs from the other side of the call.

A low, mocking laugh. “You know, that’s why I am not killing you” Raze says slowly.

“Because I want to torture you to the extent that your body will beg for death. Killing Ethan was not fun but I am going to enjoy that with you” His words drip with cruelty.

Zayran sits down on his chair and slowly starts swinging it back and forth. His face shows nothing. He just listens. Silent.

“By the way, your wife looks so pretty” Raze says casually. “Perfect touch of modern and tradition”

Zayran’s lips slowly curve into a wide smile. But it is not a normal smile. It is dangerous. His fingers start tapping slowly on the table in front of him.

“Wanna share her with me?” Raze says shamelessly.

Zayran closes his eyes slowly and leans back on the chair. His chest rises and falls deeply but his face stays calm. His silence is louder than any threat.

“You are no fun, man. No worries. I’ll call you later. First, let me admire her” Raze says and cuts the call.

The line goes dead. Zayran stays still. He takes a deep breath. Then another. His mind starts running in directions it should not run right now. Dangerous directions.

The cabin door suddenly opens. Grover walks inside. Zayran opens his eyes and looks at him.

“Where were you?” he asks. Grover freezes for a second, confused.

“I… I was looking after the shipment” Grover replies nervously and places a file in front of Zayran. Zayran looks at the file. Then he nods his head slowly.

I walk out of the car, already feeling tired from all the activities of the day. My body feels heavy and my mind just wants rest. The first day was quite nice.

I meet the students, learn a few things about the school and its environment and after that, I spend my entire evening with Adi and Anu. Their presence makes me feel light for some time but now the exhaustion takes over me completely.

I walk slowly inside the mansion, my steps quiet and slow. All I want now is to sleep. As I enter the living room, my eyes fall on the elders sitting on the couch together, talking while sipping their coffee.

Their presence makes me feel small. I lower my gaze to the floor and quietly start walking towards the stairs, trying to avoid them.

“Sita, take a cup of coffee” I hear. I recognize it instantly. It is Shaurya’s mother, Neelam. I stop walking and turn towards her slightly, then shake my head softly.

“No, thanks” I say politely, my voice low and respectful. I turn again, about to walk upstairs but her voice stops me once more.

“I insist and you are part of our family now, so don’t be shy” she says again.

I sigh inside. I turn around and walk towards them slowly. She extends the cup towards me and I lift my hand to take it carefully.

But before I can even hold it properly, her grip suddenly loosens. The cup slips. Everything happens in a second. The hot coffee spills and falls directly on his Dadu’s leg.

My eyes widen in pure shock as the liquid spreads over his clothes. I instantly step back, my heart jumping in fear. Everyone rushes towards him in panic.

“Dad, are you okay?” his father asks quickly, bending down to check on him. I gulp slowly, my throat feeling dry. I do not do it. It is just a mistake.

“Andhi hai kya!” his dadi shouts loudly at me.

(Are you blind!)

Her sharp voice cuts through me, making my whole body flinch. Fear runs through my veins as I instinctively take another step back. She walks towards me, her eyes filled with anger.

“Manhoos kahi ki, jab se aai hai is ghar ki khushiya kha gai hai tu!” she shouts loudly at me.

(Unlucky girl, since you came, you have eaten all the happiness of this house!)

Her words hit me like a slap. I look at her and I can feel everyone’s gaze on me. Their eyes burn into my skin. Some are shocked. Some are angry. Some just watch silently. My chest feels tight but I refuse to lower my head.

“Maa, it’s okay. She is sorry for her mistake” Neelma, says, holding his Dadi’s hand, trying to calm her down.

“No, I’m not sorry” I say slowly. My voice is calm. Clear. Firm.

Everyone looks at me instantly. Shock spreads across their faces. Some look angry. Some look furious to the extent that they look like they can kill me right here.

“Say sorry right now or else your entire family will see the consequences!” Shaurya’s father shouts at me, his voice filled with threat. I glare at him.

From outside, my face stays strong. But inside, my body trembles in fear. Still, I refuse to bow down. I turn around, deciding to leave from there. I do not want to ruin my mental peace. I just want to walk away.

But suddenly, someone grabs my hand harshly from behind. My body stumbles slightly from the sudden force. It's his Dadi.

“Maa, let it be. It was just an accident” his chachu says, trying to calm the situation. But buddhi does not listen. Is aakal ki andhi buddhi ko bas kalesh karna hai.

“It was not an accident! She is a very cunning girl who knows how to trap people. Say sorry to me right now!” his Dadu shouts loudly. I look at him in disbelief. My jaw tightens. Anger burns inside my chest.

“Mai sorry nahi bolu gi. Dam hai to bulwa kar dikhao” I say, looking directly into his eyes.

(I will not say sorry. If you have the courage, then make me say it)

A loud gasp echoes in the silent living room. The air becomes heavy.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see the youngsters coming out of their rooms and walking downstairs, drawn by the shouting.

“Aukat mat bhul apni!” his dad shouts at me loudly.

(Don’t forget your place)

His words are meant to break me. Earlier, I would have stepped back. But not now. This time, I glare at them instead of backing away. My eyes hold defiance, even though my heart beats loudly inside my chest.

“Tujhse aaj sorry bulwa kar rahu ga, warna mera naam Bhairav Kaalver nahi” his Dadu speaks, standing up from the couch. He takes a step towards me, his eyes filled with ego and anger.

(I will make you apologize today or else my name is not Bhairav Kaalver)

“Kothe wale ki beti se ummed hi kya kar sakte hai. Jaisi maa, waisi beti” Neelam says coldly.

(What can we expect from a prostitute’s daughter? Like mother, like daughter)

Her words pierce straight into my heart. My confidence shakes. Breaks a little. My throat tightens painfully. Why do people always press on our weakest wounds when we try to stand for the truth?

“What is happening here?” I hear his deep voice from behind. My body freezes. Then, without any reason, my body relaxes slightly. His presence alone does that to me.

“She spilled hot coffee on your Dadu deliberately and now she is not apologizing” Neelam says quickly, her tone suddenly changing. Her voice now sounds soft, innocent, like she is the victim.

“End this matter here. Tell your wife to say sorry and finish this, Zayran” his Dadu says camly.

I slowly lift my eyes towards him. He is already looking at me. His eyes are blank. I know. I know he will tell me to apologize.

“I’ll not apologize to anyone” I say, looking directly into his eyes. My voice is hard. I am not at fault. If I were, I would have apologized earlier. But I am not. And Neelam does this on purpose. I can feel it. I see it in her hidden smile.

“Zayran, tell her to say sorry and end this matter” his dad says softly. In logo ko dekh kar girgit bhi rang badalna chor degi.

(Even a chameleon would stop changing colors after seeing these people)

He walks ahead and stops a few steps in front of me. His presence feels heavy. Powerful. Everyone looks at him. Waiting.

The entire room holds its breath. Waiting for him to speak. And somewhere deep inside, I also wait. Even though I know…He will tell me to apologize.

“Kisi se maafi nahi mangegi wo” he says calmly.

(She will not apologize to anyone)

Everyone’s eyes widen in shock. The entire room falls silent. My breath stops for a second. I look at his side profile, my eyes fixed on his face. My heart feels strange. It beats faster, louder. No… he is pretending. I know he is playing.

“Galti ki hai isne aur mangna padega maafi is ladki ko!” Shaurya’s father shouts angrily, pointing towards me.

(She made a mistake and she has to apologize!)

“Awaaz neeche” he says. His voice is low. A shiver runs down my spine instantly.

(Lower your voice)

He takes a few steps ahead and turns, now standing in front of everyone, his back partially facing me but his presence shielding me somehow.

“Bhulo mat kon hai wo aur kaha se aai hai? Aur sir par mat baithao, aage chal kar bhugatna hoga” his Dadu says loudly, taking an angry step towards me.

(Don’t forget who she is and where she came from. Don’t give her this much importance or you will suffer later)

My eyes move between them. But then…Just one look. He looks at him once. And his Dadu stops in his place immediately. Like his feet freeze. Like his body forgets how to move.

“Apni biwi ko koi bhul sakta hai? Aur hamara sir is kabil nahi hai ki apni biwi ko yaha baitha sake” he says calmly.

(Can anyone forget his own wife? And am I not capable enough to make my wife sit here?)

My lips part slowly in shock. My body shivers. Without realizing, I take a slow step back.

“Par isne galti ki hai aur ye maafi mangegi aur wo bhi sir jhuka kar!” his Dadi shouts angrily.

(But she has made a mistake and she will apologize and that too with her head bowed down!)

He smiles. A slow smile. He starts walking towards me, taking slow, steady steps. My heart starts racing uncontrollably.

“Galti ki bhi hai tab bhi maafi nahi mangegi” he says calmly. He stops. His eyes move across the room, looking at each and every person present in the living room. Everyone. Except me.

(Even if she has made a mistake, she will still not apologize)

“Agar hamari biwi ka sir kisi ke samne jhuka, to unka sir uthne se pehle samne wale ki gardan uske dhad se alag kar denge ham!” he shouts loudly.

(If my wife’s head ever bows in front of someone, then before she can lift her head again, I will separate the other person’s head from their body)

My head starts spinning. My heart forgets how to beat properly. This is the first time I see him shouting. The first time I hear his voice this loud.

The air inside the room turns heavy. Dangerous. No one dares to speak. No one dares to move. Everyone’s silence says everything about the power he holds.

“Aur agar kisi ne inse uchi awaaz me baat ki, to zubaan ke itne tukde karenge ki ginte nahi banenge” he speaks again, his eyes moving towards his Dadu.

(And if anyone speaks to her in a loud voice, I will cut their tongue into so many pieces that they cannot even be counted)

My breath gets stuck in my throat. I never knew before how it feels when a husband takes a stand for his wife.

But today…I know. And I know one more thing. Many things are going to change after this. Nothing will ever be the same again.

He turns towards me and looks at me. His eyes search my face. I cannot understand what he is doing. Or why he is doing this. My chest feels tight.

I slowly turn towards the stairs and start walking upstairs, my legs feeling weak but moving anyway. I can feel his footsteps behind me.

“Aur hamari biwi bahot masoom hai. Ki bas tangon par coffee girai hai. Ham hote to tange kaat kar phenk dete” he says from behind me.

(And my wife is very innocent. She only spilled coffee on the legs. If it were me, I would have cut the legs and thrown them away)

I can feel it. He is smiling while saying this. My fingers tremble slightly as I reach the room. I open the door and walk inside.

She enters the room and I follow her inside, closing the door behind me. The sound of the door closing echoes in the silent room. I lift my hand and open them, run my fingers through it, pushing them back, trying to calm myself down.

She throws her bag on the bed angrily with frustration. She removes her watch from her wrist and throws it beside the bed, Her movements are fast. Angry.

I watch her silently. My eyes stay fixed on her. Why is she angry?

“What was all that?” she asks suddenly, turning towards me abruptly.

I look at her, confused by the sudden question. She walks towards me quickly, glaring at me with anger burning in her eyes.

“Why did you say all those things downstairs?” she asks again, her voice filled with frustration and disbelief. I sigh slowly.

“Bahot din ho gaye the drama kiye hue, bas isi liye” I say honestly.

(It had been many days since I created drama, that’s why)

She looks at me in disbelief. Her eyes widen. Her lips part slightly. Like she cannot believe what she just hears.

“Jhut mat boliye aap” she says loudly, stepping even closer to me.

(Don’t lie)

Her voice shakes with anger. I move my hands behind my back and look at her calmly, trying to understand her emotions. But understanding her feels impossible.

“You married me for revenge, right?Then why are you behaving like this?” she asks. Her tone breaks slightly at the end. That small crack in her voice does something strange inside my chest. My eyes narrow slightly. I shake my head slowly.

“But I never said I married you for revenge” I reply calmly.

“I told you from the beginning that I will not do anything with you. I married you because marrying me is your biggest punishment. And punishment has many different forms. Sometimes it is torturous… and sometimes it is wrapped like this” I lean my face slightly closer to hers as I say the last words.

Her breath hitches. Her eyes stay fixed on mine. I watch her carefully. I need to learn how emotions feel. So that I can understand what she is feeling right now.

Wait. Why am I explaining myself to her?

“Okay… so all those things you said downstairs were drama?” she asks slowly. Her voice is quieter now. But still filled with emotion. I nod my head once.

And the very next second, she grabs my collar tightly and jerks me towards her.

“Bewakuf lagte hai ham aapko?” she shouts, glaring deeply into my eyes.

(Do I look fool to you?)

Her fingers grip my collar tightly. I lower my gaze and look at her hand holding my collar.

Her fingers tremble slightly. Her grip slowly loosens. And then suddenly, she steps back. Fear is clear in her eyes. Pure. The only emotion I like seeing. But why is she so scared? I never do anything to her.

“Stop all this” she says slowly, looking away from me. Her voice is tired. Heavy. She turns and walks inside the closet without looking back.

I stand there, unmoving, trying to understand everything that just happens. But nothing makes sense.

I take out my cigarette and place it between my lips. I am about to light it but I stop when she comes out of the closet. She walks towards the bed, grabs her bag and watch and before leaving, her eyes fall on the cigarette. She glares at it. Her eyes filled with silent anger.

Then she walks out of the room and closes the door hard behind her. The sound echoes in the silent room. I close my eyes slowly. It is impossible to understand her.

I walk towards the balcony and light the cigarette. The flame flickers briefly before the cigarette burns. I take a long, deep puff, letting the smoke fill my lungs.

The cold night air touches my face. I turn and lean my back against the railing, my eyes moving inside the room through the glass door.

My gaze falls on her Kanha. Every time I look at him…I remember her.

She walks out of the closet again, now wearing her night dress. Her movements are tired. She walks towards Kanha first. She bends slightly and touches his feet softly, closing her eyes for a second. Then she walks to the bed and lies down, covering herself with the blanket. She turns to one side.

I take out my phone and dial Grover’s number, bringing the phone to my ear.

“I want to contribute in my family business” I say calmly, taking another slow puff from my cigarette.

“Okay, boss” he says from the other side of the call.

I stay silent for a moment. My eyes remain fixed on her face. She is lying on the bed, pretending to sleep. But I know she is not asleep.

“Why am I like this, Grover?” I ask quietly, my voice low, my eyes still watching her. There is a small pause on the other side.

“Boss, I already told you but you never listened to me” he says softly. “And it’s a sign of you being great. You are an angel on this earth, boss. And God has sent you to show everyone what masterpiece He has created”

I nod my head slowly. I am not that good. But still… If he is saying it, I should agree. Otherwise, he will feel bad.

“Good night, boss” he says. I nod my head even though he cannot see me. I cut the call.

I take one last puff of my cigarette and throw it away, watching the burning end fade into darkness. I walk back inside the room and then closet.

I change my clothes and lie down on the couch, staring at the ceiling for a moment. Then I turn my head towards her. She is sleeping peacefully on the bed. Her face looks calm. Innocent.

“Tomorrow is a really special day” I think quietly. “Not just for me… but for everyone” My eyes stay on her face.

Good night, My Feather.

Jin logo ke exams hai best of luck khub acche se paper karna. mai khuuub sari dua karu gi aap logo ke liye ??

Maine kal shahi tukda banaya tha?? itna gazab ka bana thaaaaa ?? aysa mai nahi khane wale bol rahe the?? to aao kabhi mere ghar mere hath ka khana khane (ab aa mat jana mai to bas phormality ke liye bol rahi hu) ??

Aur kal ke chapter me....kal ke chapter me......kal ke chapter mee.....mai nahi batau gi khud read kar lena??

Okay bye jaa rahi hu mai thoda vishram karne....me to thak gai ree??

Lobe you muwahhh??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????