Aarav sat in the meeting room, his mind consumed by turmoil. The weight of guilt for Ria's death and the realization of Maya's deceit bore down on him like a heavy burden. He couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal, wondering if all of Maya's past care and support had been nothing but a facade.

As Tanya approached with the file, her presence interrupted his thoughts. But before she could reach him, Maya intercepted her, sending a shockwave of surprise through Tanya.

"Maya mam, aap yahan?" Tanya's voice trembled with astonishment.

"Hmm," Maya responded, her tone sharp as she grabbed the file from Tanya's hand and twisted her wrist behind her back. Tanya winced in pain, taken aback by Maya's sudden aggression.

"What are you trying to do, koshish kar rahi ho uske qareeb jaane ki?" Maya's voice dripped with menace as she leaned in close, her eyes flashing with warning. "Listen, Tanya mere husband se door raho warna tumhe kahika nahi chodungi"

Tanya's eyes widened in shock as she tried to explain, "mam nahi main toh bas.."

Maya interrupted her, releasing her hand with a jerk. "kuch nahi sunna hai mujhe, door raho usse," she warned before striding away, leaving Tanya shaken and bewildered by the encounter.

Aarav, lost in his own turmoil, remained unaware of the tense exchange that had just taken place outside the meeting room.

As his colleagues began to filter in, he forced a smile, masking his inner pain with false cheer. However, his facade crumbled when he noticed Tanya's absence, the colleague supposed to deliver an important file.

Just then, Maya entered the room, her demeanor oozing confidence as she held a folder. "Good morning, everyone! I hope I'm not interrupting," she greeted with a bright smile.

Aarav was taken aback by her sudden appearance. "Maya, tum yahan kya kar rahi ho?" he inquired, surprised.

Ignoring his question, Maya addressed the team, asserting her authority. "Maine socha I should drop by to discuss some changes that need to be made. Aakhir, humhe yeh dekhna hai ki sab kuch ek dum perfect ho haina?"

The sales manager voiced the confusion of the team. "Changes? Sir ne toh humhe kuch bataya nahi iss baare mein."

With a smirk, Maya attributed the lack of communication to Aarav's personal struggles. "Kyuki Aarav apni neechi pareshaniyon ki wajah se apni zimmedari thik se nahi utha paaya... lekin ghabrayie nahi main aayi hi hun uski madad ke liye," she declared, turning towards Aarav with a mocking tone. "Isn't that right, darling?"

Feeling embarrassed, Aarav attempted to steer the conversation back to the meeting at hand. "Maya, yeh samay nahi hai... hum ek important meeting kar rahe hai."

Maya said scarstically "oh sure.. isliye toh main hun yahan" she opens the folder "sabse pehle, budget allocations need to be revised, aap sab jis tarah handle kar rahe hai iss just outrageous" 

The associate looked at Aarav "Aarav.. yeh sach hai? humhe toh laga budget already approve ho chuka hai"

Aarav flustered as that day he was working on it but Maya interrupted him with Ria's topic and Sumitra whipped him. "We are still working on the final details. main bas.." he said embrassed.

Maya interrupted "tum toh kya Aarav? wahi galtiyan jo hamesha karte ho iss baar bhi ki" she turns to the team "aaj se sab budget decisions mere through pass honge. We can't afford any more of his mistakes" 

Aarav's frustration boiled over as Maya's interference in his professional life reached a tipping point. He tried to control his anger but couldn't help the sharpness in his voice. "Maya, yeh office mera hai.. tum iss tarah yahan aake apna haq nahi jama sakti," he said, his tone firm yet attempting to remain calm.

Maya's eyes sparkled with a mocking glint as she responded, "Oh.. main aisa kar sakti hun. Apne pita ki maut se ubhre nahi ki tumhare pyaare doston ki maut ke sadme mein andhere mein ek ghante se baithe they tum yahan, Aarav! Aur mujhe hi sab sambhalna padega abse.." She cast a scornful glance at the team.

Turning to the team, she continued, "Aur ab hum performance review ki baat karenge! Aarav aap logo ko bahut chut de raha hai.. aajse, main sab dekhungi and make sure we're getting the best," she declared with an air of finality.

A junior employee, clearly nervous, spoke up, "Lekin mam, Aarav Sir hum sabke saath fair rahe hai, koi issue nahi hua."

Maya's expression turned icy. "Aajse sab badlega.. results chahiye, excuse nahi.. agar apne boss Aarav ki baat sunoge toh yeh company kabhi grow kar hi nahi payegi.." she retorted coldly.

Aarav felt a wave of humiliation wash over him. His authority was being undermined in front of his team. "Maya, bas," he said, trying to regain control.

Maya smiled sweetly and gently tapped Aarav's cheek, a gesture that felt both condescending and possessive. "Wahi main kah rahi ho bas Aarav, tum aaram karo yahan. Main sambhal lungi.. tumhari har galti thik karungi main," she said, her tone dripping with a mix of mockery and assurance.

One of the colleagues leaned over to whisper to another, confusion etched on his face. "Yeh ho kya raha hai? Yeh apne hi pati ko aise sharminda kyun kar rahi hai?"

The other whispered back, equally baffled, "Mujhe nahi pata."

Maya's sharp eyes caught the exchange, and she addressed the room with a cold authority. "Agar kisiko koi pareshani hai toh mujhse aake baat kare.. main madad karungi," she declared, silencing any further murmurs.

Turning her attention back to Aarav, she continued, "Ab aap sab jayie. Mujhe Aarav se akele mein baat karni hai."

The team, sensing the tension, quickly filed out of the room. Aarav, feeling the weight of Maya's dominance, closed the door behind them, the final click echoing his sense of helplessness.

Aarav's voice trembled with a mix of anger and hurt. "Maya, tum iss tarah mere hi office mein mujhe aise humiliate nahi kar sakti ho.." he said, his fists clenched at his sides.

Maya placed her arms around his neck and kissed his lips lightly. Aarav jerked her away, his eyes burning with indignation. Maya smirked, enjoying the power she held over him. "Tumhara office? Bhool gaye maine tumhara saath diya tha tumhare papa ki maut ke baad sab sambhalne mein.. bhoolna mat, mere bina tum kuch nahi ho. Main tumhe bana sakti hun aur barbaad bhi kar sakti hun so better start appreciating my help," she said, her words cutting like a knife.

Aarav glared at her, his voice low and intense. "Band karo apna yeh khel.. tum mujhe majboor kar rahi ho ki main tumse nafrat karun jo main nahi karna chahta hun. Tum sab khatam kar rahi ho Maya mere liye."

Maya's expression turned cold, her eyes devoid of empathy. "Nahi.. main tumhe bacha rahi hun tumse. Dekho khudko, kitne toote hue ho tum. Ek kamzor insaan jo apni sauteli maa ko bhi nahi rok paaya," she retorted, her tone merciless and unyielding.

Aarav stood there, stunned and wounded by Maya's harsh words. The room seemed to close in around him, suffocating him with a sense of helplessness and despair.

Taking a deep breath, Aarav tried to steady himself. "Maya, yeh sab tumhe zaroorat se zyada powerful bana raha hai. Tumhe samajhna chahiye ki main bhi kuch kar sakta hoon," he said, his voice trembling but resolute.

Maya's smirk deepened, her eyes glinting with a mix of satisfaction and challenge. "Oh Aarav, tumhe ab tak yeh samajh nahi aaya ki tumhara power meri wajah se hai. Main tumhe bacha rahi hoon, tumhari har galti sudhar rahi hoon," she replied, her tone dripping with condescension.

Aarav clenched his fists, feeling a surge of defiance. "Main apni galtiyon ka samna khud kar sakta hoon, Maya. Tumhara yeh control mere liye aur meri team ke liye toxic hai. Tumhe yeh sab band karna hoga," he said, his voice growing stronger with each word.

Maya laughed softly, shaking her head. "Tumhe lagta hai tum mujhe rok sakte ho? Main tumhari zindagi ka hissa hoon, Aarav. Tumhari har safalta aur har nakami meri wajah se hai. So better accept it and move on," she said, her eyes boring into his.

Aarav took a step back, his mind racing. He knew he had to find a way to regain control, to protect himself and his team from Maya's manipulations. "Main tumhare bina bhi sab kuch sambhal sakta hoon. Tum dekhna, main kaise is company ko aage badhata hoon bina tumhare interference ke," he declared, his voice filled with determination.

Maya's expression turned icy, her smile fading. "Agar tumhe lagta hai tum mujhe hara sakte ho, toh koshish kar lo. Lekin yaad rakhna, main tumhe itni asaani se chodungi nahi," she said, her voice a dangerous whisper.

With that, Aarav turned and walked out of the room, his mind set on reclaiming his life and his office. He knew the battle with Maya was far from over, but he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. As he stepped into the corridor, he felt a renewed sense of purpose, determined to overcome the toxic influence that had been suffocating him for too long.

Aarav walked into the office the next day, determined to take control of the situation. However, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The usual friendly greetings and smiles were replaced with cold stares and whispered conversations. He felt the weight of the collective disapproval as he made his way to his desk.

Tanya, his trusted colleague and confidante, approached him hesitantly. "Aarav, mujhe aapse kuch zaroori baat karni hai," she said, her voice low and anxious.

Aarav nodded, gesturing for her to continue. "Kya hua, Tanya?"

She glanced around nervously before speaking. "Maya mam ne sabko convince kar diya hai ki aap company ke liye achhe leader nahi ho. Unhone kaha ki aapke decisions hum sabko downfall ki taraf le ja rahe hain."

Aarav felt a pang of betrayal but tried to stay composed. "Aur tum, Tanya? Tum kya sochti ho?" he asked, searching her eyes for any sign of loyalty.

Tanya looked down, unable to meet his gaze. "Aarav, mujhe Maya mam se dar lagta hai. Unhone kaha ki agar hum unka saath nahi denge toh woh sab kuch khatam kar dengi. Main majboor hoon," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aarav's heart sank. "Tanya, main tumpe hamesha bharosa karta tha. Tumhari support ke bina main kaise ladunga?"

Before Tanya could respond, Maya entered the room, her presence commanding everyone's attention. She walked up to Aarav with a triumphant smile. "Aarav, tumhe ab tak samajh aajana chahiye tha ki main yahan kaun sambhal raha hai. Tumhare apne log bhi ab mere saath hain," she said, her voice dripping with smug satisfaction.

Aarav looked around the room, seeing the resigned faces of his team, their loyalty now shifted to Maya. "Sab log, aap sab ko yehi lagta hai?" he asked, his voice breaking slightly.

One of the junior employees, who had once defended Aarav, stepped forward reluctantly. "Aarav Sir, humein Maya Madam ne samjha diya hai ki unke bina company ka future secure nahi hai. Hum sab unka saath de rahe hain," he said, avoiding Aarav's eyes.

Aarav felt the crushing weight of isolation. "Maya, tumne yeh sab apne fayde ke liye kiya hai. Lekin yaad rakhna, sachai kabhi na kabhi saamne aayegi," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of anger and sadness.

Maya smirked, enjoying her victory. "Sachaai? Aarav, yeh business hai, yahan emotions aur sachai ka koi kaam nahi. Tumhare bina yeh company ab mere hisaab se chalegi," she declared, turning to address the team. "Aaj se, hum sab milkar company ko naye unchaiyon tak le jayenge. Ab humein aage badhne se koi nahi rok sakta."

Aarav stood there, feeling the sting of betrayal and the cold reality of his situation. As the team began to rally around Maya, he knew he had a long and difficult battle ahead to reclaim his position and the trust of his colleagues. With a heavy heart, he walked out of the office, determined to find a way to expose Maya and restore his rightful place.

Aarav returned home, his mind heavy with the day's betrayals and conflicts. As he stepped inside, the familiar walls of his house offered little comfort. He was lost in thought, trying to figure out his next move, when he heard the sharp click of heels approaching rapidly.

Sumitra, his stepmother, stormed into the hallway, her face contorted with rage. "Aarav! Tumne phir se ghar aur office dono ki izzat mitti mein mila di," she spat, her voice filled with venom.

Aarav looked up, startled by the intensity of her anger. "Maa please aap toh aisa mat kaho maine kuch nahi kiya Maya ne.." he said, his voice tired and defeated.

Sumitra's eyes blazed with fury. "sab tumne hi kiya hai tumhara behavior hum sab par asar kar raha hai! Tumne apne papa ki legacy ko khatre mein daal diya hai. Tumhari wajah se Maya ko sab kuch sambhalna pad raha hai," she yelled, stepping closer.

Aarav tried to explain, "Maa, Maya jo kar rahi hai, woh galat hai. Aapko samajhna hoga ki main sirf company ka bhala chahta hoon."

But Sumitra was beyond reasoning. Her hand shot out, slapping Aarav hard across the face. "Chup raho! Tumhari yeh bakwaas sunne ka waqt nahi hai mere paas. Tumne apni kamzori aur naakami se sab kuch barbaad kar diya," she shouted, her voice shaking with anger.

Aarav staggered back, his cheek stinging from the blow. "aap mujhe kyun maar rahi ho? kis baat ki saza de rahi ho mujhe? sautela beta hun aapka uska hi thoda maan rakhlo," he said, his voice breaking.

Sumitra's expression was cold and unfeeling. "Beta? Tum mere liye sirf ek bojh ho. Agar tum apni zindagi mein kuch nahi kar sakte toh kam se kam apne papa ki legacy ko barbaad mat karo," she said, turning away in disgust.

Aarav stood there, his heart heavy with the weight of his stepmother's words. He realized that he was truly alone, abandoned by those he considered family and friends. The sting of betrayal and physical assault deepened his resolve to fight back against Maya's manipulation and reclaim his life. With a renewed sense of determination, he vowed to expose the truth and protect his father's legacy, no matter the cost.

Aarav's mind was racing as he walked towards his study, determined to contact the family lawyer and set things right. The sense of urgency in his steps echoed through the silent house. He picked up his phone, dialing the lawyer's number, when suddenly the door burst open. Maya and Sumitra stormed in, their faces twisted with anger and determination.

Maya was the first to speak, her voice sharp and commanding. "Aarav, tum yeh phone kis liye utha rahe ho? Tumhe abhi lawyer se baat karne ki koi zarurat nahi hai."

Aarav clenched the phone tighter, his jaw set with determination. "Maya, mujhe yeh sab kuch clear karna hai. Mujhe lawyer se baat karne do."

Sumitra stepped forward, her eyes filled with a cold, unyielding fury. "Aarav, tumhe samajh mein nahi aata? Tumhari yeh harkatein hum sabko aur company ko nuksan pahucha rahi hain."

Aarav tried to move past them, his resolve unshaken. "Nahi, mujhe lawyer se baat karni hi padegi. Yeh sab jo tum log kar rahe ho, yeh galat hai Maya tum mere papa ke business ko khatam kar dogi main aisa nahi hone dunga," he said firmly.

Without warning, Maya snatched the phone from his hand and threw it across the room, shattering it against the wall. "Tumhe lawyer se baat karne ka koi haq nahi hai, Aarav," she hissed.

Aarav's eyes widened with anger and fear. "Maya, tum log yeh sab kyun kar rahe ho? Main sirf apna haq wapas paana chahta hun"

Sumitra, her face contorted with rage, moved closer to Aarav. "Haq? tum haq paana chahte ho aapna kahi aisa na ho haq paane ke chakkar mein tum hum sabko barbaad kardo"

Aarav tried to push past them, but Sumitra grabbed his arm, her grip like iron. "Sumitra, mujhe jaane do," he pleaded.

But Sumitra tightened her hold, her nails digging into his skin. "Tumhe yeh sab nahi karne denge, Aarav," she said, her voice a low, dangerous growl.

Maya joined her, her expression cold and calculating. "Tumhe sabak sikhana padega, Aarav," she said, before slapping him hard across the face.

Aarav staggered back, pain and shock flooding his senses. "Tum log yeh sab karke kya paana chahte ho?" he shouted, his voice echoing through the house.

Sumitra responded with a shove, sending him reeling towards the stairs. "Tumhe apni aukat yaad dilani padegi," she snarled.

Aarav tried to regain his balance, but Maya and Sumitra closed in, their combined force too much for him to handle. With a final, brutal push from Sumitra, Aarav lost his footing and tumbled down the stairs, his body crashing against each step with sickening thuds.

As he lay at the bottom of the stairs, pain radiating through his body, he looked up at Maya and Sumitra. Their expressions were devoid of any remorse, their eyes cold and unfeeling.

Maya's voice was a chilling whisper. "Yeh tumhare liye ek warning hai, Aarav. Tumhe yeh sab karne ka koi fayda nahi hoga. Hum tumhe kabhi jeetne nahi denge."

Sumitra added with a sneer, "Aur agar tumne phir se aisi koshish ki, toh agle baar aur bura hoga."

Aarav lay there, battered and bruised, the gravity of his situation sinking in. Despite the physical and emotional pain, his resolve hardened. He knew he had to find a way to escape their control and seek justice, no matter the cost.

Aarav lay in bed, his body aching from the fall down the stairs. He tried to gather his thoughts and strength, determined to find a way out of this nightmare. As he struggled to sit up, the door creaked open and Maya walked in, a sinister smile playing on her lips.

"Aarav, tumhe kuch aram ki zarurat hai," she said, her voice deceptively gentle. She held a glass of water and a few pills. "Yeh dawai lo, tumhe achha mehsoos hoga."

Aarav eyed the pills suspiciously. "Maya, yeh kya hai? Main koi medicine nahi loonga."

Maya's smile didn't falter. "Yeh sirf painkillers hain, Aarav. Tumhare dard ke liye. Trust me, tumhe abhi rest ki zarurat hai."

Reluctantly, Aarav took the pills and the glass of water, feeling too weak to argue. As he swallowed them, Maya watched him closely, her eyes glinting with a hidden agenda.

Minutes later, Aarav felt his head growing heavy, his thoughts becoming muddled. He tried to focus, but everything around him started to blur. "Maya... yeh... yeh kya..." he slurred, struggling to keep his eyes open.

Maya leaned in, her voice a soothing whisper. "Relax, Aarav. Sab theek ho jayega." She placed a stack of papers in front of him, along with a pen. "Yeh kuch important documents hain. Tumhe bas yahan sign karna hai."

Aarav tried to read the papers, but the words swam before his eyes. "Kya... kya papers hain yeh?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Maya's tone remained calm and reassuring. "Yeh bas kuch formalities hain, Aarav. Tum sign kar do, sab kuch set ho jayega."

With his vision blurring and his mind clouded by the drugs, Aarav felt himself slipping into unconsciousness. Desperate to hold on, he reached for the pen, his hand trembling. "Maya... mujhe lagta hai yeh galat hai..." he murmured, but his voice lacked conviction.

Maya guided his hand to the papers, forcing him to sign each page. "Nahi, Aarav. Yeh sab tumhare aur company ke bhale ke liye hai. Trust me."

As Aarav's consciousness faded, he managed to scrawl his signature on the documents, unaware of their true nature. Maya watched him with satisfaction, knowing that she had successfully trapped him.

Hours later, Aarav awoke, his head pounding and his body feeling sluggish. He looked around, trying to piece together what had happened. The memory of signing the papers slowly came back to him, and dread filled his heart.

Maya entered the room, her demeanor triumphant. "Good morning, Aarav. Tumne jo papers sign kiye the, unke through humara naya deal finalize ho gaya hai."

Aarav's eyes widened with realization. "Maya, tum karne kya waali ho?"

Maya's smile was cold and calculating. "bahut jald pata chal jayega tumhe Aarav isse hum nayi uchayi ko chuyenge.. "

Aarav knew he was trapped, his signature binding him to a deal that could destroy everything he had worked for. But deep down, a spark of defiance remained. He vowed to find a way to expose Maya and her schemes, no matter how difficult the path ahead.