Chapter 7
I entered my room and shut the door behind me with a loud bang, the sound being too loud echoed through the silence. The dim lighting, and the dark surroundings inside felt like a balm to my increasing headache, wrapping the room in a quiet calmness that the rest of the haveli failed to offer.
That's why I make sure that the rule of not allowing anyone in my part of the mansion is followed vehemently.
I despise people intervening in my matters and ruining my peace.
I woukdn't mind shutting them up with a bullet between their eyes but it was better I stayed away from bloodshed until necessary.
My eyes landed on my reflection in the mirror. The moment I caught my silhouette, a wave of irritation rolled through me. The stench clinging to myself made my nose wrinkle in disgust. It was pungent, earthy, and absolutely revolting. I pulled it off and tossed it aside like it had betrayed me.
I look like a complete mess. All because of her. Safiya Shah...
Wet strands of hair had slipped over my forehead, sticking there annoyingly, in sheer contrast to my slicked-back look I usually maintained.
My face had smudges of dirt, filthy remnants of the chaos I’d just walked out of.
I hesitated to even touch it with my hands, unsure what was worse, the grime or the lingering smell of it.
Disgust swirled in my stomach, twisting into something colder. Small tremors of frustration pulsed through my fingers as I clenched my fists, mocking myself silently. I felt like I had already failed Dada-Jaan.
Not even two days.
It hadn’t even been two days since she set foot in this placement, and already the carefully crafted structure of rules I had built was showing cracks. She didn't just bend the rules, she questioned them. Challenged every belief I had enforced, pushed boundaries that no one dared question.
And the worst part? She doesn't fear me.
I needed to set things how they were. My meeting with Agastya was already ruined.
The approaching elections needed more investment in the campaigns along with removing the people that came in the way.
The Zeharix were quickly following up, along with the Bratva.
Park Central was falling apart behind the glamour and egos of the elite.
Azamgarh, was the heart of this empire we four had created, if one pillar fell over. It would become worse.
I had a lot of things to worry about but she had managed to consume my mind completely and not in a good way.
She had thrown dirt on me. But somehow, it felt far worse than just a dirty shawl or a ruined meeting. Her actions even though not loud or deliberate, but they meant something more. They made me realise just how fragile control could be.
The dominance I once wore like armour was slipping off, piece by piece like a castle made of legos. The presence that once made people fall in line, tremble at a single glance, now started to feel like a joke.
I felt the ground shift beneath my pride.
I exhaled harshly and looked away from the mirror, shaking my head as if trying to toss the thoughts out. Trying to erase the image of her from my mind. I wouldn't let everything I worked so hard to build fall apart this easily.
Not for a girl.
Not for her.
Zaviyar yanked his kurta over his head, his arms struggling against the fabric.
The sleeves gripped his biceps a little too tightly, thanks to the endless hours he’d been hauled at the gym.
His workout routine had grown intense lately, turning him leaner and more muscular by the day.
The fabric caught briefly on his shoulders before finally giving way.
( I'm a girls girl, ain't no way I'm backing away from giving y'all visuals ?? chalo ab vote bhi kardo, sharmao mat )
His muscles tensed with the motion, veins running like cords under his skin, clearly visible under the bright, overhead lights.
The white tank top clung to him like a second skin, especially around his chest. With a careless toss, the kurta hit the floor as he stood in front of the mirror, quietly assessing himself.
His fingers skimmed the hem of his tank top, lifting it halfway to inspect the sculpted lines of his abs. Just as he was about to peel it off completely, a sudden knock at the door made him freeze in place. He immediately dropped the fabric back down.
He headed towards the door, annoyed but expecting the servant to come with his tea. He opened the door only to be caught completely off guard.
There she stood.
The source of his frustration and all of his current distractions. Smiling up at him like she hadn’t trespassed into the forbidden territory once again. To Zaviyar she looked like trouble wrapped in innocence. Mischief sparkled in her eyes. She was dangerous in the most irritatingly charming way.
He inwardly groaned.
She wasn’t supposed to be here. She knew she wasn’t supposed to be here.
Safiya, on the other hand, had mentally prepared herself for Zaviyar’s signature temper tantrum. She had imagined his ears turning red with rage, his jaw clenching in frustration. And as the door creaked open, she was met with far more than she had braced for.
Her eyes widened as her gaze landed on him, tank top clinging to his body like a second skin, his muscles quite visible even in the dim lighting of the hall.
" Ya Allah.", she shrieked and immediately spun around, eyes tightly shut like she had seen a sin.
Zaviyar, already gritting his teeth, stepped back behind the door, hiding himself as much as he could, forming a barrier with the wooden frame like it could block her audacity.
“Why are you here?” he asked sharply, voice dripping with suppressed irritation. “You are not supposed to be here. Don't you know that? I suppose Khwaish has failed at the task to get that into your head.”
His words landed hard, like sharp little pebbles. But Safiya, trying to calm her already frenzy nerves, reminded herself why she had come here in the first place. She had intended to apologise. She really had.
But now? Not so much. She wasn't going to let him insult her every chance he got.
Clicking her tongue in disapproval, she looked at him with that annoyingly calm expression.
“I was here to apologise.”, she said with a gentle smile.
“Was?”, he repeated. She nodded, her tone smooth as honey but with an edge.
“But you, Mr Khan definitely don't want an apology.
So now I've changed my mind.”, He stared at her baffled.
Had this lady in front of him made a vow to get on his nerves and make his blood boil every time she opened her mouth.
Everything irritated him, her voice, her tone, her face. .. even the way she looked at him.
God, she was insufferable.
“Ab aapko maafi nhi mashwara milega.”, She moved forward and extended a small bag towards him.
Zaviyar raised a brow, eyeing the bag like it held poison.
As though she had literally handed him a nuclear bomb.
She jerked towards him, urging him to take it.
Hesitantly, Zaviyar grabbed it by the edge, very deliberately avoiding touching the strings. His guard was still up.
(Now, you won't get an apology but rather advice.)
“It’s a body wash kit for you.”, He almost slammed the door shut, making sure it hit her face. Almost...
Was this girl seriously mocking him right now?
“At first I was sorry for accidentally throwing the trash on you earlier. So I thought why not give this to you.”, she explained, her voice sweet, her fingers pointing at the innocent looking gift bag. Her concern almost looked genuine but Zaviyar wasn't buying it.
“You can scrub the dirt off your skin with this. But your personality... it needs more than just a body wash.”, she added with a smile so sweet it could kill.
" Do one thing, wash your mouth with this. That way you will stop spewing trash. ", He clenched his jaw, nostrils flaring . The weird mix of scented products in the bag made his head spin and her words weren't helping.
" Are you dumb? We use toothpaste to wash our mouths not body wash.", she retorted.
“Aapko har waqt bakwas karni hoti hai?”, he hissed. She didn’t flinch. Instead, she folded her arms confidently, smirk tugging at her lips.
(Do you always need to speak stupid shit?)
“Nahi. Kabhi kabhi main khaamoshi mein bhi logo ke hosh uda deti hoon.”, The fire in his eyes intensified.
Talking to her felt like getting into a knife fight with someone who knew exactly where to stab.
And they made sure to make it hurt, making the wound as painful as possible.
(No. Sometimes I ruin peace in complete silence too.)
“Aapse normal baat karna bhi gunaah hai.”
(Talking to you feels like committing a sin.)
“Toh fir tauba karein na, paap mein mat rahein !”, she shot back with an exaggerated pout. Every reply of hers was like fuel to the fire. She was pushing all the wrong buttons.
(Then repent, don’t live in sin!)
“Tumse tameez ki umeed bhi bewakoofi hai.”, he scoffed, shaking his head and leaning against the doorframe as if this entire conversation physically exhausted him.
(Expecting manners from you is stupidity.)
“Touh aap maante hain ki aap bewakoof hain.”, she quipped with a faux innocent expression, her big eyes blinking up at him.
(So you finally believe that you are stupid.)
“Tameez seekho.”, He narrowed his eyes into slits.
(Learn some manners.)
She flashed another sugar-coated smile that could hide a thousand insults.
“Aap class lena shuru kar dein toh admission pakka mera pehla hoga.”
(If you start teaching, I’ll be the first one to enroll, promise.)
Her replies only made him more mad, but Safiya was used to the usual ego and the audacity that male species had. Always thinking they were superior to others, specially females. Being accustomed to such behaviour, Zaviyar's anger didn't quite faze her.
“Had hoti hai.”, he said sraightening himself at her quick witted replies.
(There’s a limit.)
“Mujhe touh aap hi lagte hain— hadh. Har khushi ki.”, His eyes flashed dangerously.
(Exactly, to me you are the limit — of every happiness.)
“Ek aur lafz nahi.” , she glared back at him. Her voice now laced with anger that mirrored Zaviyar's.
(Not another word.)
“Mein dou bolungi chalega?”, His patience was now hanging by a single, trembling thread. It might snap any minute.
(I'll speak two, will that work?)
“Tumse baat karna bekaar hai.”, She tilted her head to the side, mischievously.
(Talking to you is pointless.)
“Phir bhi kar rahe hain.”
(Yet here you are.)
He scowled.
“Aap khud ko samajhti kya hain?”, She raised her chin proudly, like she was receiving an award.
(Who do you think you are?)
“Ek samajhdaar, nek, masoom aur sundar khatoon.”, He almost laughed at that. Again, almost...
(An intelligent, honest, innocent and beautiful woman.)
“Aapko koi kuch nahi kehta isiliye aap sar pe chadh gayi hain.”, Her eyes sparkled dangerously glinting defiance.
(No one puts you in your place, that’s why you’re out of control.)
“Abhi touh bas chadhi hu, nachna baaki hain. Mein touh esi hee hoo. And no one can change me, Mr Khan. No one.”, He folded his arms now, mirroring her stance, clearly done
(This is just the way I am. And no one can change that, Mr. Khan. No one.)
“Aapko agar yaha rehna hain touh badalna hoga.”, She took a step closer, her voice now softer but still holding that challenge.
(If you wish to stay here, then you’ll have to change.)
“Woh touh vakt hee batayega. Mein badalti hu, ya aapki be sir pair vali rivayate.”
(Time will tell—whether I change, or your headless traditions.)
Just then a male servant appeared, the same one that had taken his shawl back then. He walked up to the two of them lightly bowing down to Zaviyar. He was shocked at the sight of Safiya standing in front of the door of Zaviyar's room.
The servant didn't spare her a glance and forwarded the tray with the tea and snacks towards Zaviyar's room.
Zaviyar stopped him, " Keep this here."
He forwarded the bag that he was holding towards the servant and said darkly, emphasising each word. " Throw. This. Away. "
He delivered each word while staring at Safiya with his eyes burning in anger, She looked at him with rage. She wanted to wipe that smug look off his face.
" All those clothes as well. Throw everything away. ", the amazed servant looked up shocked at his words.
" But Sir, the shawl. It belonged to-", the servant shut his lips when Zaviyar glared at him for daring to question his order.
" Do as you are told. ", the servant nodded nervously.
The shawl Zaviyar had worn this morning might be an ordinary shawl to others but it was one which his grandfather had gifted him. The same one which he wore to most panchayat meetings. It was not just a piece of clothing.
" Dirt has no place in this house. ", He looked at Safiya, staring into her soul and said before shutting the door on her face.
Safiya rolled her eyes. Did he really think speaking like some weirdo and throwing some mysterious lines here and there made him the main lead of some typical serial.
She looked at the male servant staring at her with a weird look. " Your Nawab sahab is a weirdo. Who asks for tea and doesn't drink it? "
She said taking the tea cup, drinking it in one gulp.
" Ab pta chala inki zaban itni kadwi kyu hain. Nawab sahab ki chai mein thori cheeni daala karo. Kya pta inki zabaan bhi chashni jesi meethi hojaye. I know mushkil hain, lekin try karke dekho. ", she waved at the guy and disappeared from his sight with quick steps.
( now I know why he is so bitter all the time. Start adding some sugar to his tea. What if he becomes sweet like sugar? I know it's hard but try it out. )
The servant was shocked and didn't understand what had just happened. He just scratched his head wondering if he was seeing a dream. The only thought going on his head was.
‘ Mein fas gaya hu yaha inn pagalo ke beech, koi mujhe nikalo.’
Kabir let out a girly scream as he escaped from Safiya's grip only to end up tripping over Khwaish's foot which she had stuck out. Both the girls cornered him making him gulp as he waved a white handkerchief in surrender.
“Kabir, take us, Aapi and I both want to eat ice cream.”, Khwaish pleaded with a pout trying to make her hesitant brother agree to her request.
“We can go… but this late at night—”, his voice trailed off. He was worried about taking both of them with him as he would be responsible if anything happened in this little adventure.
“Nothing will happen, Kabir. It’s not like we’re going alone anyway.”, Safiya said trying to convince the hesitant boy in front of her.
“The problem is… usually it's just shorty and me on one bike. You—”, Kabir said stating the obvious. He and Khwaish often went out on his bike.
Safiya nodded tapping her index finger on her chin as she tried thinking something. Taking a car would be impractical, they wanted to enjoy the cold breeze and go there without anyone tailing behind them.
“Is there another bike?”, Safiya asked turning to both of them. Both the siblings shared a glance, contemplating something as they communicated with their eyes. The hesitation was evident to Safiya who raised a brow at the change in their body language.
“There is, but—”, Khwaish said, her voice trailing as she wondered whether rahe should complete her sentence. Kabir's head snapped at her, his eyes widening as he just signals her to not tell Safiya about it.
As much as Kabir loved Safiya, but he feared his brother more. One scratch and his death certificate would be issued.
“Forget your buts and ifs. Just bring me the keys.”, she said extending her hand, gesturing kabir to hand her the keys, who shook his head refusing her but immediately agreed when he saw her glare at him.
“ Aapi, think again It's Zaviyar bhai's bike. No one touches his stuff. ”, Khwaish says trying to convince Safiya to change her decision.
“ Oh come on, it’s not like I’m stealing it.
I’m just borrowing it for a while..”, Safiya shrugs.
She sighed when her phone didn't catch the signal for the upteenth time.
She wanted to throw her phone out of frustration.
She was not able to contact her firm, there were no delivery services here.
She was badly missing her zomato orders at midnight, the uber option when she just didn't feel like driving and especially just walking out of her house and having rows of departmental stores and supermarkets.
“ But bhai will be furious. No one’s allowed to touch his bike. ”, Kabir said crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the pillar.
“ You guys haven’t even tried taking it, have you?”, She asked. “ You were just told to never touch his things, and you all followed it. ”
Safiya shakes her head in disappointment making Kabir and Khwaish actually ponder on her words. They never really bothered asking anything from Zaviyar. They followed everything they were told to, without any questions.
“ You assume things too easily. I'm sure he won't mind it... well, I hope so.”, Safiya voices out hesitantly. Her relation with Zaviyar didn't quite have the most pleasant starts but they could surely start fresh.
“Tumlog itna darte kyu ho uss Napolean ke grandchild se...”, she asked seeing both the siblings still worried. How possessive was Zaviyar that these two feared even touching his stuff so much?
(Why are you guys so scared of that — Napoleon's grandchild?)
“You can say that only because you haven’t faced his wrath yet....”, Kabir said, mentally shivering as he had some gruesome flashbacks.
“ And he hasn’t faced my wrath yet.”, Safiya says shrugging. She internally squealed in happiness as the location aPplication finally started working and showing her directions.
“First, we need to get out of the house. That’s the hardest part.. past the guards”, Khwaish pointed out at their first obstacle.
“Look, all the elders are done with dinner and off to bed. We just need to dodge the guards now. And most of them tend to be slacking off at this time. ”, Kabir said.
“The store’s 20 kilometres from here.”, Safiya confirmed it, memorizing the directions.
“The back route will be safe. We just need to push the bikes up to the rear gate.”, Safiya cut him in between as she remembered the back of the house being guarded more heavily than the front.
“We’ll get caught there..”
“Nope, Ishu and I have built a secret path back there”, Kabir said making Safiya give him a thumbs up. All of them out on their earpieces so that it would be easier to communicate.
Safiya forwarded her hand looking at both of them expectantly. Khwaish was the first to place her hand on top of Safiya's hand, followed by Kabir as they jerked their hands up and down making a silent cheer.
“So mission ice-cream is on”
Kabir casually walked up to the box kept at the back of the garage that contained the keys to all the vehicles. His footsteps were slow, calculated, and his eyes darted nervously side to side, almost like he was a thief in his own house. One wrong move, and he would get caught red-handed.
He opened the box with a light creak and quickly grabbed the keys to his bike.
He let out a relieved sigh, trying to pocket his key stealthly.
But just as he was about to close it, his eyes landed on the shining metal hook that held Zaviyar’s bike keys.
His hand hesitated mid-air. He gulped out in fear before reaching out for it.
His fingers twitched as he plucked the forbidden key.
Just as he was about to slip it into his pocket, a voice cut through the air like a blade, making him jump and drop the keys with a loud clink.
“What are you doing, Kabir?”, Zaviyar’s voice rang out as he stepped into the garage, his formal coat still on from the meeting he had just returned from. He raised a brow at Kabir who looked like he had seen a ghost.
Zaviyar looked like Pennywise to him rightnow.
“Nothing, bhai... j-just parking my bike inside.”, Kabir cursed under his breath at his own stammering. Zaviyar narrowed his eyes, clearly not convinced but also not interested in dragging the issue. With a shake of his head, he walked away.
Kabir let out a long sigh. He quickly jogged over to the pillar where Khwaish and Safiya were hiding. Safiya handed him the ear pieces, checking whether the earpieces were working or not. It was important since there might be unknown troubles anywhere . they needed to stay connected.
Khwaish had changed into a plain blue kurta and white pants, something more low-key, while Safiya looked like she was ready for a real bike chase, fully geared up. That was the aftermath of her accident, she couldn't take any chances anymore.
( Kabir's look )
( Khwaish's look )
( Safiya's look. )
Kabir mounted his bike, strapped his helmet on, and passed the other one to Safiya before assisting Khwaish with hers. Khwaish made a face as she wore it, obviously hating the thing. The strap kept bugging her and she kept flicking it open. Kabir rolled his eyes but didn’t say anything.
They couldn’t switch the engine on, inside the premises so Kabir waddled the bike forward, dragging it carefully. Safiya followed, her bike slightly larger than what suited her petite 5'4" frame, so Khwaish lent a hand, pushing it gently from behind.
Once they were far enough from the haveli, they finally started the engines and zoomed off into the night like rebellious teenagers. Kabir led the way, revving loudly and gesturing for Safiya to follow.
But none of them knew they were already being watched.
Leaning against a car parked behind the stables, half-hidden by shadows, Zaviyar took a slow drag of his cigarette.
His eyes didn’t blink as he watched the bikes disappear into the darkness of the night.
His jaw tightened, lips forming a thin line as he dropped the cigarette and crushed it under his heel until it turned to ash.
( Not exactly how I imagine Zaviyar, but yes that's his outfit )
He didn’t need to say it loudly. A low growl of, “Follow them,” was enough for his men to spring into action.
Meanwhile, the trio were enjoying the cool breeze. The feeling of doing something rebellious stung their chest with an unknown happiness. Laughter echoed between them. It felt like they were free.
Until the bridge.
As they zipped over the river, the streetlights lit up the night and Khwaish’s heart nearly stopped when her eyes caught something in the rearview mirror.
The number plate.
She blinked once, trying to adjust her vision. She leaned closer, and her mouth dropped open.
“That’s Bhaijaan’s car–”, she screamed, the mic catching every note of panic and blasting it into Safiya and Kabir’s ears making both of them shriek.
“Kabir, do something! If he catches us... faasi peh charha denge bhai humeh.”, Khwaish said, grabbing Kabir’s arm as his entire body froze. Even under the helmet, the color had drained from his face.
(Kabir, do something! If he catches us... He'll hang us upside down. )
“Is there a shortcut to get home?”, Safiya’s voice came through the mic, calm but urgent, as she sped up to ride beside them.
“There is, right after we cross the bridge but Bhai knows that one way too..”, Kabir said, checking the mirror and counting the jeeps. Safiya went silent for a second before deciding.
“You two take the shortcut. I’ll deal with him.”
“But you don’t know the way... What if you get lost—”, Kabir asked, his voice rising in panic.
“Thats why he will follow me first. ", Safiya said calmly. "Go, Kabir. I’ll handle the rest.” She revved slightly ahead, locking eyes with the split in the road.
As they crossed the intersection, Safiya slowed down and jerked the handle, drifting in a sharp arc until she faced the oncoming jeeps head-on. Her sudden turn made the jeeps stop with a jerk. Under the streetlight, she met Zaviyar's darkened gaze. She stared at him from under her visor.
She parked right under a streetlight, visor down, back straight... fearless.
And then... their eyes met. Through the visor and the windshield of the jeep, Zaviyar’s glare locked onto hers like heat-seeking missiles.
It wasn’t just anger in his gaze, it was betrayal, disbelief, fury.
.. and something else she couldn’t place.
His jaw ticked as he stepped out, the wind pulling at his shawl.
Zaviyar bit the inside of his cheek, fuming in anger as he could clearly see the audacity and arrogance glinting in her eyes making his blood boil.
Safiya’s breath hitched, but she didn’t move. Her fingers slowly lifted the visor, eyes never leaving his. Her hair fell down her back, dark and free, as she placed her helmet neatly on the bike’s hood.
Zaviyar’s jaw clenched. His blood boiled at the sight of her standing there like a challenge. He walked up to her, his steps quick and hard, and without a word, he pulled off his shawl and wrapped it around her.
“Paagal ho gayi hain kya, itni raat gaye nikal aayi.”, Zaviyar yelled, his voice rough as he tucked the shawl around her.
( have you gone mad? Why did you come out of the house this late at night? )
Safiya’s heart gave a stupid skip at the warmth that suddenly cocooned her, it smelled like him. Expensive cologne, rage and silk. She reached up to shrug it off but one look from him had her pause.
Yeah, maybe now wasn't the time to mess with the man fuming like a bull.
“Answer me... what were you thinking, riding off this late?”, he snapped, but she didn’t flinch this time. Just rolled her eyes like a sassy teenager scolded for sneaking out past curfew.
“Do you even know what girls who roam around at night are called in this place?”, his words were sharp, enough to slice. She flinched, caught off guard. Her pride cracked, and the only thing she could whisper was, “I'm sorry...”
“Why are you apologizing? According to you, you're always right and everyone else is always wrong, right?”
“This isn't your city. Here, monsters roam in human form, he said through gritted teeth.
She opened her jacket slowly, and his eyes widened when he saw the glint of the metal weapon hidden in the inner pocket.
“I know. That’s why I brought a gun with me..”, she said innocently, smiling at him like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“Why are you staring at me like I've killed someone. Chill, Kabir told me to take one for safety.”, she said, casually shrugging her shoulders like this was an everyday routine.
“You have no idea what kind of danger you could’ve fallen into.”, he said, his tone suddenly turning sharp, his eyes locking with hers, blazing with fury.
“Come with me...”, he muttered, grabbing the end of her shawl and wrapping it tightly around her wrist before dragging her with him.
The action was rough, but weirdly protective.
She blinked, slightly taken aback somewhat impressed.
He might be cold, arrogant, and borderline rude most times, but at least he wasn’t the kind of man who turned a blind eye to a woman in trouble.
He respected her enough to not touch her wrist even though sher wrist was fully clothed.
“But your bike?”, she asked, glancing back wistfully at the two-wheeler. Maybe just maybe he would let her ride it back home again. A last chance, because she had a feeling that this was it. She wasn’t getting to ride it again.
“That's none of your concern.”, he snapped, tugging her closer as he yanked open the jeep door and gestured for her to get in with a cold nod.
“But I—”
“Shut up—”, he cut her off, giving her a light shove. Just hard enough to push her inside, but still careful not to hurt her. There was force but it wasn’t cruel.
Just typical Zaviyar.
“Excuse me—”, she gasped, more out of surprise than anything else, her brows raised in disbelief. Her mouth parted in shock as she watched him slam the door shut with a loud thud and stride over to the driver’s seat.
“Excused...”, he muttered without even looking at her, and with that, the car roared to life.
“Listen to me... you can’t just ignore me like this. I know it’s not safe to roam around at night...”, she said, her tone rising in frustration. His complete dismissal of her words irked her more than any taunt ever could. He wasn’t even pretending to listen.
The audacity of this man.
“Kaha na chup! Bohot bolti hain aap. Aur agar itni samajhdaar hain aap touh itni raat ko aayi kyu?”, he barked, shooting her a sharp glare before fixing his eyes back on the road.
(Shut up! You talk too much. And if you’re so wise, then why did you come out this late?)
But before the words could fully register, a loud click echoed through the car.
His brows immediately furrowed in confusion as a cold, metallic pressure touched his forehead.
“Yeh kya behudgi hain...”, he muttered, barely believing what he was feeling. His eyes flicked up for a brief moment and there it was.
(What nonsense is this...)
The muzzle of the revolver.
Safiya was holding the gun to his head.
He couldn’t believe her audacity. Who was this girl? The very same one who smiled sweetly and now had a weapon pressed to his skull like it was a joke?
She was bold, fearless even. Maybe too fearless for her own good. And while a part of him respected her guts... another part, the darker, deadlier part of him was provoked by the stunt.
“Aap gusse se andhe hogaye hain kya... Gun hain”, she said, her voice eerily calm, pressing the gun harder against his temple.
(Have you gone blind with rage? This is a gun... )
“Why are you pointing it at me...”, he asked, more intrigued than scared, his voice quieter now.
“Because you think I’m weak...”, she replied, finally pulling the gun back. She said with contentment,
He better have gotten the message now not to underestimate her again.
“There’s a big difference between holding a gun and pulling the trigger...”, he said, narrowing his eyes at the way she handled the weapon far too confidently to be new to this.
“I would’ve shot you. except I don’t feel like going to jail. Let’s just set up a shooting session tomorrow....”, she quipped, casually tossing the comment like it was nothing. He rolled his eyes at her over-the-top confidence before turning the steering wheel into the mansion’s garage.
“Who taught you to shoot...”, he asked, glancing at her from the corner of his eye to make sure he parked the car properly.
“From university training. The rest... Baba taught me. He wanted me to know self-defense...”, she replied, a soft edge in her voice now. Zaviyar gave a thoughtful nod before getting out of the car and walking around to her side. Without a word, he opened the door for her.
“Chachu neh baree hee achchi training dii hain lagta hain... Aakhirkar, hum sab unka maazi jaante hain.”, he added, a knowing smile playing at the corner of his lips.
(Looks like Chachu trained you well… after all, we do know his past.)
Safiya tilted her head slightly, confused. What was that supposed to mean? What past?
She stepped out of the car, adjusting the shawl around her shoulder. She closed the door behind her, and was going to run behind him to ask him about the so-called last. Before she could ask, a loud bang pierced the air, breaking through the silence.
She let out a sharp gasp, clutching her ears as the sound reverberated around the garage. Her whole body froze, fear paralyzing her for a second.
Zaviyar had turned and fired the gun.
The bullet zipped past her, close enough to slice through her jacket like a paper cut. It hit the pillar behind her with a loud thud.
“Are you crazy? I could have died.”, she shrieked, staring at him wide-eyed as she processed what had just happened.
“If I wanted you dead, you wouldn’t have had time to even breathe…”, he replied coldly, walking off like he hadn't just fired a bullet past her face.
And just like that, he left her standing there- shaken, breathless. Her heart thudding violently inside her chest. She stood rooted in place, watching him disappear into the shadows of the hallway.
Zaviyar Khan hadn’t even tried. And yet, he had already torn through every wall she had ever built around herself.
He didn’t just bruise her ego... he crushed it, stomped on it, and left it scattered like dirt under his boot.
···