The Sinister

33.

Zayran is standing at the top of one of the city’s tall buildings. From here, he can see everything around him clearly. The entire night city spreads beneath his eyes, roads filled with moving headlights, buildings glowing with lights and the distant sound of traffic echoing through the dark air.

He is leaning lazily against the cold metal railing, a cigarette resting between his fingers. Smoke slowly leaves his lips as he takes a long drag.

The sky above him is dark but not darker than the dangerous game he is playing tonight.

His sharp eyes are fixed on the building standing directly in front of him.

On the edge of that building stands a man around his age. The man’s body is stiff as he looks down at the busy road far below. His fingers grip the railing tightly, his knuckles turning pale.

For a moment, the night feels strangely silent. And then, in the very next second...The man jumps. His body falls from the fifteenth floor like a lifeless weight cutting through the cold air. The fall happens too fast…too sudden.

A loud, sickening thud echoes through the empty street as his body crashes onto the hard ground. His skull breaks instantly from the impact. His body jerks violently once before becoming still. Blood slowly starts flowing, staining the cold pavement beneath him.

Yet his eyes remain open. They are fixed directly on Zayran. Even from the distance, the emotion in them is clear, regret. Regret… of being the son of Sartaj.

Within seconds, the life leaves his body completely.

Zayran calmly takes the last puff of his cigarette. The glowing tip burns for a moment before he flicks it away carelessly into the darkness.

He turns around and leans back against the railing, closing his eyes slowly. But the moment darkness fills his vision, a face appears in his mind. His wife. Her tear-filled eyes. Her trembling lips. Her broken voice.

She told him everything this morning… every painful truth she had been hiding. And not even twenty-four hours have passed. Yet he has already ended the last person of Sartaj’s clan. His son.

Zayran pushes himself away from the railing and starts walking toward the elevator with slow steps. The lift doors open and he steps inside without a word.

Minutes later, he walks out of the building’s entrance with Grover and his guards following closely behind him.

Police vehicles and flashing lights have already surrounded the area where the body lies.

Zayran suddenly stops walking at the entrance. An innocent smile slowly appears on his face.

“Nice to see you, sasur ji” he says calmly while looking straight at Anil, who has just arrived at the accident spot with his team.

(Nice to see you, father-in-law)

Anil’s jaw tightens instantly as his eyes land on Zayran. Anger burns clearly in his gaze. But somewhere deep inside his expression… there is also satisfaction. For the first time.

“You did this” Anil asks as he takes a slow step toward Zayran. He removes his cap and stares at Zayran with cold, hard eyes. The anger in his expression is clear but his voice remains controlled.

Zayran takes a slow, deep breath and casually slides both of his hands into the pockets of his pants. His posture remains relaxed, as if nothing unusual is happening around him.

“Am I that bad to do something like this?” he asks calmly.

But even the devil is shaking in fear after seeing what he has done to Sartaj’s son today. Even the devil cannot imagine the way Zayran Kaalver plays with his pawns.

And jumping from the fifteenth floor… that is actually the simplest thing Sartaj’s son faces today. Because whatever he goes through since the morning… is far worse than death itself.

“You are playing really well. I can see that” Anil says, his eyes burning with anger as he looks directly at Zayran. “You manipulate my daughter so well that she is now taking your side”

Zayran blinks slowly. “My wife is taking my side?” he asks, looking at Anil with genuine shock and surprise. For a moment, he just stares at him as if he has heard something unbelievable.

“Am I the luckiest man in the entire universe?!” he asks, a slow chuckle escaping his lips. He truly looks amazed right now.

“Why is she taking my side?” he asks again, making a confused face as if he is seriously trying to understand this new information. Then suddenly he pauses.

“Wait… is she falling for me?” he adds playfully.

Anil’s jaw tightens instantly. His hands slowly turn into fists beside him. The teasing tone in Zayran’s voice only makes his anger burn even stronger.

“Why did you kill him?” Anil asks, his eyes shifting toward the dead body lying on the road before returning to Zayran.

The moment those words leave his mouth, Zayran’s eyes change. The slight shine in them disappears. Darkness replaces it.

Anil notices it immediately.

Somewhere deep inside, he can already sense the possible reason behind this killing. But he is not completely sure yet.

And the way Zayran is behaving tonight…He looks different. Dangerously different. And Anil can clearly feel it.

“You are so bad, sasur ji. Instead of answering my question, you are asking about this piece of shit” Zayran’s voice stays calm but the mockery in it is clear.

“I didn’t kill him. He himself jumps from there” He says casually, pointing his finger toward the top of the building from where the man falls.

Anil's jaw tightens as he clenches his teeth. The way Zayran is playing with words… it makes everything even more infuriating.

“I’m leaving. My wife is waiting for me at home” Zayran says calmly.

Without giving Anil another look, he turns around and starts walking toward his car.

Each step he takes echoes. The sharp click of his boots against the ground is screaming only one thing.

.. A single tear in her eyes… and everything in this world will be destroyed in a way people cannot even imagine.

Zayran sits inside the car. The door shuts with a heavy sound. Within seconds, the car engine starts and the vehicle slowly moves away from the place.

Anil stands there silently, watching the car disappear into the dark road. For a long time, he wants to arrest Sartaj’s son. But he never can. Because of his power. Because of his influence. Even though his son is always at fault, no one can touch him, no matter what he does.

But this time…The tears in Zayran’s feather’s eyes change his fate. Will Zayran leave a man who is the reason behind his wife’s tears?

The difference between them is simple. Anil protects his wife from danger. Zayran is the danger.

Anil will stand between his wife and the world if the world ever tries to hurt her. But Zayran…He will burn that world to the ground before it even reaches her.

He does not believe in protection. He believes in elimination. And once Zayran Kaalver decides something… Not a single soul walking on this earth has the power to stop him.

The Apex is a fifty-floor skyscraper standing tall in the very center of Velqar, dominating the skyline like a silent ruler watching over the entire city.

From afar, it looks like just another corporate giant. Its dark black glass walls reflect the lights of the city, shining like polished obsidian under the sun and glowing faintly under the quiet darkness of night.

To the world, it is nothing more than a prestigious corporate headquarters where powerful businessmen come to attend important meetings and make big decisions. At least… That is what everyone believes.

But the truth hiding behind those black glass walls is far darker. The Apex is not a corporate building. It is the headquarters of the underworld.

Every deal that moves through the dark shadows of the criminal world begins and ends inside this building. From the smallest illegal trade happening in hidden corners of the city to the biggest decisions that shape entire crime empires, Everything is decided within these walls.

No ordinary person can walk through its doors. Security here is merciless. Cameras silently watch every corner of the building. Guards stand like unmoving statues at every entrance, their sharp eyes scanning every face that steps inside. Every movement inside the building is monitored.

Luxury cars constantly arrive at the grand entrance and rare supercars that roar softly before stopping at the gates.

Men dressed in expensive suits step out of those cars, adjusting their cuffs and coats as they walk inside. To anyone watching from the outside, they look like wealthy businessmen arriving for important corporate meetings.

And in a way… They are. But only a handful of people in this world know the real truth. Those men are not businessmen. They are the kings of the underworld. And the Apex… is the throne where their power is decided.

At the top floor, inside a large luxurious room, a meeting is taking place. The most powerful mafia leaders of the country are sitting around a long table. Their expensive suits, heavy watches and cold expressions show their authority, yet tonight there is something unusual in the air.

Stress. Tension fills the room like thick smoke. And the reason behind it is none other than Zayran Kaalver.

“We can’t do anything to him” one man says angrily, his fists tightening on the table. His eyes turn blood red with frustration as he stares at the others.

“He is powerful but in front of all of us he will not even stand for a minute” another mafia says confidently.

The moment those words leave his mouth, everyone in the room slowly turns their heads toward him. Their expressions turn cold.

“Without any effort or hard work, he sends all of us behind bars” another mafia says slowly, disbelief clear in his voice.

“There is not even a single person in this room who hasn’t gone to jail because of his plans” He suddenly stands up from his chair in anger and kicks it away. The chair slides across the floor with a loud scraping sound. “And you think we can destroy him?” he finishes bitterly.

“But we can’t just sit here and let him play with all of us” another man says, leaning forward on the table. The room falls silent. Everyone starts thinking.

These men sitting in this room are the most powerful mafia leaders in the entire country. One order from them… one small move… and it can bring destruction to the whole nation. Yet tonight, they are sitting here discussing one man.

“We can’t do anything” one of them finally says, already sounding defeated.

Some of the others look at him with anger, while some silently agree with his words. They know the truth. But none of them want to accept it openly.

“He is very smart” another mafia says slowly, his voice filled with frustration. “He never joins the headquarters because he knows that if he joins, he will have to follow rules and orders without questioning them” He slams his hand on the table.

“Right now, no one can question him. No one can order him. No one can stop him” He suddenly grabs the files lying on the table and throws them away in anger.

“Because he is not depending on anyone” he continues with clenched teeth. “He is ruling everything… alone”

“He even kills Sartaj’s son a few hours ago” one of the men says with a deadly serious face.

The moment those words leave his mouth, the others slowly turn their heads and look at him.

A heavy silence spreads across the room.

“Everyone has a weakness… and we have to find his weakness if we want to destroy him” Fernandes says calmly, folding his hands on the table.

The others nod their heads slowly, agreeing with him.

“But what is his weakness?” an old man asks in a tired voice. The question hangs in the air. The men look at each other for a few seconds before slowly shaking their heads.

“He doesn’t have any weakness” they say together, knowing very well how carefully Zayran builds himself over the years.

“His wife” A new voice suddenly speaks from the door. All the men instantly turn toward the entrance.

A man walks inside the meeting room calmly. He is none other than Manas. The same man whom the entire world believes is just a simple and ordinary teacher.

“Who is he?” one of the mafia leaders asks, narrowing his eyes while looking at Manas. Fernandes slowly stands up from his chair.

“He is my son” Fernandes says with a proud smirk on his face. “And he is investigating Zayran for a long time”

Shock spreads across the room instantly. Everyone’s eyes widen. Because no one in this room ever knows that Fernandes even has a son. Not even his closest allies.

“He will come to his knees if we have his wife with us” Manas says calmly. He places a thick file on the table and pushes it forward.

Inside the file, there are dozens of photographs, reports and details. Information about Sita. Information about Zayran. Manas has gathered everything.

The men lean forward slowly, opening the file one by one. Their eyes move across the pages carefully. And as they read the information inside… A small ray of hope slowly rises in their hearts.

For the first time, they feel something they haven’t felt in years. Hope. Hope that maybe… just maybe….They can finally end Zayran Kaalver.

“Ufff Kanhaaa… ye kaun hai? Kitni beautiful hai” I say while staring at the girl standing in front of me.

(Ufff Kanha… who is she? She is so beautiful)

I keep looking at her face with wide eyes. She looks like the most beautiful girl in the entire world.

“Sakhi, shishe par parda dal lo, warna tumhari khubsurati ki wajah se tut jayega” Kanha says dramatically, hitting his own head lightly with his flute.

(Friend, cover the mirror with a curtain, otherwise it will break because of your beauty)

I smile shyly at his words. A soft blush slowly spreads across my cheeks.

“Accha… ye main hoon kya?” I ask softly, tucking a small strand of hair behind my ear while still staring at the mirror.

(Wait… is this really me?)

“Iski ye harkatein dekh kar mujhe ulti aati hai” my subconscious says.

(Watching these actions of yours makes me want to vomit)

“Aghhh… zra der ke liye banda khush bhi nahi ho sakta” I think in irritation and walk out of the closet, ready to sleep.

(Ugh… can’t a person stay happy even for a little while?)

As I step into the bedroom, my eyes immediately fall on the couch. “Subah se bahar gaye hai… wo bhi bina breakfast kiye hue aur bina apni biwi ko bataye. Aise aadmiyon ko unhi ke belt se maarna chahiye” I mumble under my breath while walking toward the bed and sitting down.

(He has been outside since morning… that too without having breakfast and without even telling his wife. Men like him should be beaten with their own belt)

“Belt se maarna nahi chahiye… belt se haath ko baandh kar… ahem ahem” my subconscious says again.

(You shouldn’t beat him with the belt… you should tie his hands with the belt… ahem ahem.)

I blink my eyes in confusion. What does he mean by that? I am innocent… I can’t understand these kinds of things.

“Tujh se badi chichori aakhir hi koi hogi is duniya mein” my subconscious says again.

(There will hardly be anyone more shameless than you in this world)

I look here and there with a confused expression not understanding what nonsense he is saying.

“Bhabhiiiii!” I suddenly startle as a loud voice of my bandars echoes from outside the room.

“Ye log na mujhe chain se saans lene nahi dete. Jab dekho tab bhabhi, bhabhi, bhabhi” I complain while getting up from the bed and walking out of the room.

(These people never let me breathe peacefully)

I walk toward the railing and look downstairs. All the youngsters are sitting in the living room along with his chachu and chachi.

“Please come downstairs. We have something to tell you” Shaurya says while looking up at me. My eyes immediately shine with curiosity.

“Kahin wo buddhi aur buddha tapak to nahi gaye… chalo chalo chaleee” I think excitedly and start walking toward the stairs with quick long steps.

(Did that old woman and old man finally die… come on, let’s go quickly)

“Aayo re shubh din aayo re” I hum happily while going downstairs.

(Oh what a blessed day has arrived)

“Yes” I say while standing in front of them, my hands loosely folded as I wait for them to give me some chatpati si news.

“Shaurya was telling me you need a job” his chachu asks calmly. I slowly nod my head. For a moment, my eyes lower toward the floor as a small nervous feeling settles inside my chest.

“Start your job whenever you want… as Shaurya’s personal assistant” he says casually. My head immediately shoots up. My eyes widen in pure shock as I stare at him.

“I don’t have any experience for that work… and also I’m not capable of it” I say honestly, a small fear clear in my voice.

“It’s okay, bhabhi. You will learn with time, just like we all did. And bhai will teach you everything” Yuv says with a bright smile, pointing toward Shaurya.

Shaurya nods his head happily, clearly agreeing.

“But… umm… the company is yours… and I…” I pause, feeling slightly uncomfortable. “They don’t like me” I say slowly. Because except for my bandars, his chachu, chachi and maa… no one in this house really likes me.

“Don’t worry about that” chachu says casually. “And if we don’t give you a job, your husband will shut our company in a few hours” He bursts into laughter and stands up from his seat.

“Don’t worry. Just start your job. Mai tumahre sath hu” chachi says excitedly while walking toward me. She gently pats my back with a comforting smile.

“Aap saath hai to pakka Sita ka kaam bigaad dengi” chachu says jokingly while laughing loudly.

(If you are supporting her, then you will definitely ruin Sita’s work)

Chachi instantly glares at him with narrowed eyes.

“Hawwwww! Dekhiye kaise bol rahe hai aapke pati!” all four of them say together while making dramatic shocked faces.

(Look whar your husband is saying)

Chachi throws one more deadly glare at chachu and then turns around, walking toward her room while stomping her foot in anger.

“Tum sab marwaoge mujhe ek din!” chachu shouts while running behind his wife.

(All of you will get me killed one day!)

I can’t stop the small smile that spreads across my face as I watch them. They are the only couple in this house that I truly like.

“Bhabhi, to aap kab se apna kaam start karegi?” Om asks curiously.

(Bhabhi, when will you start your job?)

I walk over and sit beside him comfortably. “From tomorrow” I say with a small smile.

All of them immediately raise their thumbs up at me in encouragement. Before they can say anything else, we suddenly hear his voice.

I slowly turn my head toward the door. He is entering the mansion while talking on the phone. His steps are fast and his expression looks extremely frustrated.

Three… two… one…He throws his phone hard on the floor. The device shatters into pieces with a loud crack, the broken parts sliding across the marble floor.

“Yahan main hoon jo aansu tak balti mein jama kar rahi hoon taaki jab zarurat pade to bech kar paise kama saku… aur ye aadmi hai mera jo baat baat par lakhon ka phone aise hi tod deta hai” I mumble quietly to myself.

(Here I am, collecting even my tears in a bucket so that I can sell them and earn money when needed… and this man of mine breaks a phone worth lakhs just like that)

He doesn’t care at all. Without even looking at the broken phone, he starts walking upstairs like the world is about to end and the only important thing left for him to do is take a shower.

He doesn’t even glance toward us. He doesn’t even look at me.

“Mera Zayran Kaalver duniya ki sabse badsurat… I mean khubsurat ladki ko ignore karte hue” my subconscious says while laughing.

(My Zayran Kaalver is ignoring the most ugly… I mean the most beautiful girl in the world)

I close my eyes for a moment in annoyance.

“Bhai, come here” Ishi calls him. But he doesn’t stop. He doesn’t even turn his head.

“Bhai, sit with us for a few minutes” Yuv says. He completely ignores them and continues walking upstairs.

“Grover” I call out to Grover, who is walking right behind his boss. Grover immediately stops and turns around, walking toward me.

And he…He also stops. He slowly turns toward me. Our eyes meet. For a second, my heart begins to race uncontrollably. His eyes definitely know some kind of black magic. I quickly look away from him, taking a deep breath to calm myself.

“Yes, ma’am?” Grover asks politely.

I glare at him immediately.

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice him walking back downstairs. Without saying anything, he comes and sits on the couch directly in front of me.

I can clearly see the four bandars trying very hard to control themselves from teasing the life out of me.

Why did he come and sit here now?

D… did he come back because he saw me here? Just the thought alone makes my head feel dizzy.

“Ab hum kuch bolenge to log bolenge ki we don’t have feelings” Om says dramatically.

(Now if we say anything, people will say we don’t have feelings)

The other three immediately nod their heads in agreement. And Grover… he blinks his eyes rapidly as if silently saying I agree too.

“You are AI, Om” I say with a smile.

Om instantly hides his face in his hands in shyness.

“Bhabhi, stawppp. I know I’m perfect but I’m not AI” he complains. My smile only grows wider.

“Bhabhi, you never call me AI” Shaurya says while pouting like a child.

“Aap to mujhe robot bolti ho par AI kabhi nahi bola” Grover mutters quietly under his breath. But unfortunately for him…I hear it.

(You call me a robot but you never called me AI)

“Waise main kaise aapko AI laga, bhabhi?” Om asks curiously while leaning closer toward me, a wide and proud smile spreading across his face.

“AI… anpadh insaan” I say while glaring at him.

(AI means Absolute Idiot)

For a moment, everyone stays silent.

And then suddenly, Everyone bursts out laughing loudly. Everyone… except Om. And him.

“Bhabhiiii!” Om whines loudly and jumps up from the couch. He opens his mouth, ready to say something dramatic but suddenly sits back down again.

Because someone just glares at him. The warning in that glare is enough.

Soon, they all start talking among themselves again, laughing and teasing each other. Slowly… very slowly… I lift my eyes and look toward him.

And my breath hitches. He is looking directly into my eyes.

His hair looks slightly messy, as if he runs his fingers through it many times.

Two or three buttons of his shirt are open, revealing a small part of his chest. His sleeves are folded to his elbows and somehow… he looks dangerously handsome.

I quickly look away from him and swallow slowly. Why is he looking at me like that? Does he also feel the same way I feel for him?

“Ma’am…” Grover calls softly. I turn my head toward him. Oh. I call him a few minutes ago.

“Where are you busy since the morning?” I ask him. Grover first looks toward his boss and then back at me, silently telling me with his eyes exactly where he was busy. I sigh softly.

“Give some time to my best friend. She works the whole day and gets tired. You should take her out at night to freshen her mind. But no… you are busy with God knows what kind of men the whole day” Then I continue speaking seriously.

“Agar aisa hi chalta raha to Tara toot kar kisi aur ke paas chali jayegi aur tum reh jaoge akele. Logon ke peeche mat bhago. Wo na khud khush rahenge na tumhe rehne denge”

(If things continue like this, Tara will go to someone else and you will remain alone. Don’t run behind people. They will neither stay happy themselves nor let you stay happy)

The entire living room suddenly becomes silent. Grover blinks his eyes and then nods his head slowly. He understands my words very clearly.

Tara really needs some free time with him. That is why I told him this. Nothing else.

“I’m going. Good night, everyone” he says quickly. And without waiting even a second, he almost runs out of the mansion.

“Bhai, aap samajh rahe ho na bhabhi ka kya matlab hai?” all four of them say together.

(Brother, you understand what bhabhi means, right?)

I quickly turn my head toward them.

“Bhai, aap aise sara din busy rahoge to bhabhi chali jayegi. Yahi matlab hai unka” Yuv says teasingly.

(Brother, if you stay busy like this the whole day, bhabhi will leave. That’s what she means)

My eyes widen immediately. I did not mean it that way. I swear.

“Bhabhi, aapko bada unromantic husband mila hai” Ishi says dramatically.

(Bhabhi, you got a very unromantic husband)

I quickly stand up from the couch. “I’m going to sleep. Good night” I say quickly. Without looking at him…Without looking at anyone… I rush upstairs toward our room.

Zayran walks after her and enters the room. He quietly closes the door behind him and then looks at her as she walks ahead, mumbling something under her breath.

He stops at the doorstep and leans his shoulder against the doorframe, his arms loosely crossed while watching her.

He doesn’t realize it yet…But this is not his game anymore. It is God’s game.

Sita walks toward the table and grabs her phone. She turns around quickly but the moment she does...Her breath stops.

He is standing right in front of her. So close. Looking directly into her eyes. The sudden closeness makes her fingers loosen. Her phone slips from her hand but before it can fall to the floor, he catches it easily.

Without breaking eye contact with her, he slowly places the phone aside on the table. Then he takes one slow step toward her.

Sita immediately takes a deep breath and moves one step back. Their eyes never leave each other. Not even for a second.

“Kya keh rahi thi aap neeche? Dubara kahengi?” he asks slowly while leaning his face slightly closer to hers.

(What were you saying downstairs? Will you say it again?)

Sita nervously grabs the sides of her dress tightly in her fists. Her legs feel weak, almost jelly-like. And he…He quietly enjoys watching the way she reacts.

He slowly lifts both of his hands and places them on the wall on either side of her head, trapping her between his arms. Now she has nowhere to go. He simply waits for her to speak.

“Y… you made Grover work e… extra… and because of that… my best friend didn’t get time to spend w… with him” she says nervously.

(You made Grover work extra… and because of that my best friend didn’t get time to spend with him)

Her eyes shift slightly away from his.

Because she feels like she is going crazy. The way his eyes refuse to leave hers…The way their bodies are standing so close…And the way his cologne slowly fills the air around her… making her heart race uncontrollably.

“Your best friend didn’t get time to spend with him… or you didn’t get time to spend with me?” he asks, a slow smirk forming on his lips. Her eyes widen immediately after hearing this.

“Why would I want to spend time with you?” she says quickly, turning her face to the side to avoid his gaze.

Before either of them can say anything else, a loud sound of fireworks suddenly echoes from far away. The night sky outside lights up with bright colors, turning into different beautiful shades.

“I love seeing fireworks!” she says excitedly, her eyes instantly lighting up with happiness. In that moment, she completely forgets everything else.

Seeing her sudden excitement, he slowly removes his hands from the wall. His eyes soften slightly as he watches the wide smile spreading across her face.

She quickly moves away from him and starts walking toward the balcony. But after taking a few steps, she suddenly stops. She slowly turns her head and looks back at him with an unsure expression on her face.

For a moment, she hesitates. Then slowly…She extends her hand toward him.

He is about to walk inside the closet to change but he stops the moment he sees her hand reaching toward him. His breath becomes slightly heavy as he realizes what she means.

He lifts his eyes and looks directly into hers. Her gaze is fixed on him. Then his eyes slowly shift toward her hand.

For a moment, it feels like she is offering her hand to someone who has been silently standing alone… waiting for a small, gentle pat on the head.

Sita slowly bites her lip, suddenly thinking that she makes a mistake by doing this. She begins to pull her hand back.

But before she can...His hand quickly reaches out and holds hers tightly. The moment their fingers lock together, both of them feel something strange pass between them.

Her head instantly lifts up as she looks at him again. He is already looking at her. His eyes are dark… intense… and filled with something she cannot understand.

Sometimes, when words refuse to come out…Actions become the only thing left to speak.

She quickly looks away from his eyes and slowly walks toward the balcony while still holding his hand. He follows quietly behind her, his eyes fixed only on her.

Both of them are going crazy inside. Their hearts are beating so fast that if the loud sound of fireworks is not filling the night air, their heartbeats will definitely expose them.

She stops near the balcony railing and lifts her eyes toward the glowing sky. Colorful fireworks burst one after another, lighting up the darkness with bright shades.

A soft smile appears on her face… and it keeps growing bigger and bigger. Because she is holding her husband’s hand. After forty-five days of their marriage… this is the first time. The first time she is holding the hand of a man. The hand of the man she is slowly falling for.

She can clearly feel his gaze on her face but she is not in a condition to look at him. Not right now.

He keeps looking at her quietly. It was never part of his plan… never part of his game… that he will start feeling like this for her. But here he is. Feeling emotions he never feels in his entire life.

He doesn’t want to look away from her. And the way his fingers hold her hand firmly makes one thing very clear... She extends her hand toward him. And now he is not going to let it go.

There were many ways to destroy the sinister inside him, but he chose to hold her hand.

And now…He is not going to miss any chance to hold it again.

The fireworks paint their faces with different colors of light. Red, blue, golden sparks reflect in their eyes again and again. But her face is glowing for a different reason. Shyness.

And his eyes…They are brighter than before.

“Aap hame pasand karti hai?” he asks slowly.

(Do you like me?)

His voice sounds blank and cold, yet it sends a strange chill down her body. She slowly turns her head toward him and looks straight into his eyes. For a moment, she just stares at him and then gently shakes her head.

“Bilkul nahi” she says and quickly looks ahead again.

(Not at all)

He chuckles slowly under his breath and tightens his grip around her hand. She bites the inside of her cheek because the way he chuckles sends a soft shiver down her spine.

“Aap hamari care karte hai?” she asks softly and turns her head toward him again.

(Do you care for me?)

A slow smile appears on his lips. He leans his face closer to hers, making her grip the balcony railing tightly with her other hand.

But this time…She doesn’t step back. She stays exactly where she is, staring deeply into his eyes.

“Ye bhi koi puchne ki baat hai” he says with a small smile.

(Is that even something to ask?)

Her eyes widen slightly. She blinks a few times, trying to believe what she just hears.

“Bilkul nahi karte hai” he adds in the next moment.

(I don’t care at all)

His words make her close her eyes for a second before opening them again.

“Agar hame kuch ho jayega to aap hamari care nahi karenge?” the question slips out of her mouth quietly.

(If something happens to me… you won’t take care of me?)

She looks at him as if she might cry if he says no. But he…He doesn’t say anything. He simply keeps looking at her.

The soft night breeze gently moves her hair around her face as the colorful fireworks continue glowing behind them.

“Aap karte hai hamari care… hame pata hai” she says softly and looks away from him.

(You do care for me… I know)

Even she doesn’t understand what she is saying anymore. The words simply leave her mouth on their own, straight from her heart.

And he…He doesn’t know what to say at that moment. Everything feels strangely good to him. All his life, his hands hold guns. No one ever holds his hand before. But now…Here she is. Holding his hand like it belongs there.

After a moment, she looks at him again with slight frustration on her face. He is not even looking at her. He is staring at their joined hands. She slowly loosens her fingers and tries to pull her hand back.

But he doesn’t let go. Instead, he holds it even more tightly. Her eyes narrow instantly.

“Hath chhodiye hamara” she says, trying again to take her hand back.

(Leave my hand)

“Kabhi nahi” he says slowly… very slowly… tightening his grip.

(Never)

She lifts her other hand and suddenly pinches his hand hard. His grip loosens instantly. He looks up at her in surprise. Before he can react, she quickly pulls her hand away and starts walking inside the room.

“Darinde hai ye sach mein. Pyar se do bol nahi bol sakte” she whispers to herself while walking.

(He really is a beast. He can’t even speak two loving words)

She lies down on the bed and covers herself completely with the blanket. “Konsa maine property mein hissa manga… bas yahi pucha ki care karte hai ya nahi. Haan bol dete to konsa inke baal jhadne lagte” she mutters angrily while tossing from one side of the bed to the other.

(It’s not like I asked for a share in his property… I only asked if he cares or not. If he had just said yes, would his hair have started falling out?)

Outside in the balcony, he is still standing there. Looking at her.

“My feather holds my hand” he says slowly while staring at his palm, the same hand she holds a few moments ago.

“Should I cut it and place it in my treasure… because she touches it?” he murmurs softly.

He lifts his hand closer to his face and slowly sniffs his palm, closing his eyes. For a brief moment, a very tiny smile appears on his face. A real one.

Then he quietly walks back inside the room.

Both of them lie in their own places. But neither of them can sleep.

Their hearts are too full, confused, nervous and strangely happy.

All because they hold each other’s hand for the first time.

How was the chapterrr??????