• author •

A frown appears on Mayura's lips, her eyebrows furrowing and eyes narrowing.

"Strange," she muttered. Biting her lip, she rebooted her phone. As soon as the screen lit up, she turned on her network and went to her messages, waiting for Vihaan's messages to appear.

None.

She grit her teeth, her vision blurring with unshed tears. "This is not possible! There should be atleast one message from him."

Mayura felt her heart beat against her chest in an irregular manner. Letting out a sigh, she turned off her net and put the phone away. She stood by the window, staring at the full moon. It's silver rays highlighted her features, a flicker of pain crossing her eyes. She clenched the window sill, her eyes struck on a world beyond the skies, in the realm where the creator lived.

'Why?' She thought, her lower lip quivering. Her heart beat like a drum, loud and wild. 'Why do you always give me so much pain? Why do you always take everything from me? First my childhood, and now, my only happiness - my Vihaan. You know very well how much I have suffered because of you, because of the fate you wrote for me. And even now, you don't give me any peace. I have been nice to you only because Vihaan believes in you, if it wasn't for him...' She held the wall in an iron grip, her arm trembling in anger. 'I won't let you take my Vihaan, or anyone else I hold dear, away from it. I've had enough of your fate! I'll live my life my way, whether you like it or not. Since you cannot give me my justice, nor can the courts down here do it, I will get my own justice. I'll show you, show everything how much they've hurt me. I'll have my justice, and all this who you love will suf ---'

"Bunny," Vansh stepped in, taking urgent strides towards her. Mayura exhaled, releasing her hold on the wall and turned towards him, her eyes wide open in innocent curiousity. Vansh stopped a step away from her, his eyes searching hers for any distress. "What is bothering you, darling?" He whispered, holding her face in his palms.

Mayura smiled, slowly taking his hand away from her face. She walked away and sat on the bed, "Nothing. I'm just tired." She answered with a weak smile, hiding her negative emotions. Vansh immediately took a seat beside her, "Darling, are you angry with me?" He inquired, placing a hand over hers.

"Not at all, Vansh. Why would I?" She answered with a smile. "You always get angry at me. There's nothing new."

"I didn't mean to --"

"Because you care about me," She added, interrupting him. "You care for me, someone who is very clumsy and careless. I don't listen when spoken to nicely, so you have to be stern."

"I understand, Rai." She breathed, meeting his gaze. "Don't be sorry."

Without a word, Vansh pulled her into his embrace, holding her in a tight grip. "If you know this, then you must also know how hard it is for me to be stern with you. Why do you do this to me, my chestnut? It hurts me so much to be rude to you. Don't make me do this!"

Mayura nestled her head against his shoulder, her palms curled around his bicep as her heart beat slowly. "When everyone left me, you were the only one with me, bunny. The only constant in my life. The only one who stayed, protected and never deceived me. You've been so nice and patient towards me, Mayu. Don't force me to be bad towards you, it hurts me more than it can hurt you."

"I'm sorry," she whispered, "Rai."

"Shush!" He caressed her head, his strong gaze burning holes through the wall. "My precious little bunny, you don't have to apologise to me. Ever. I just want you to be with me. Forever."

A sudden ping on her phone distracted her and she flailed her arms, trying to reach out for her phone. There was a light in her eyes, an urgency in her behaviour as she grabbed her phone. Unlocking it, she checked the notification only to be disappointed.

5,500+ new messages from Sakshi Raizada.

Dismissing the message, Mayura put her phone away and buried her face in the pillow. Vansh watched her movements with an intense curiosity.

"Who was it, bunny?" He asked, lying down beside her after putting her phone away on the bedside table.

"Nobody important, Rai." She mumbled, turning over onto her back. Vansh put his head on her shoulder, his arm wrapping around her torso.

"Who were you expecting?" He asked, meeting her gaze. "Vihaan?"

Mayura pressed her lips into a thin line. Letting out a soft sigh, she replied in positive. "Yes. He usually leaves atleast one message for me. But today, there's none!"

"That's... strange," Vansh mused, well aware that he was the cause of her distress.

"It is,"

"Didn't he tell you that he was on a trip today?" He lied.

"He is?" Mayura looked down at him, flabbergasted. "I, I didn't know. I really didn't." She added in a strained voice.

Vansh snuggled against her shoulder, holding her tighter. "He must have forgotten. He said he'll be on a trip for nearly a week, so he won't be answering any calls."

"Oh," Mayura sighed sadly, making Vansh's heart clench in pain. He didn't want her to feel sad. Gulping his ego, he pulled out his phone and dialled Vihaan's number. As the ring went, he set a timer for forty-five seconds and gave her the phone. "Talk to him, darling."

"I thought you were angry with him," she said, accepting his phone and holding it against her ear.

"I can't bear to see you sad, bunny. My anger for him is not greater than my care for you. If you're sad, I will do everything to make you happy." He confessed, entwining his fingers with hers and gave her a small smile. 'Even if it is doing something that I hate.'

The call connected, a lump forming in Mayura's throat. "Hello, Vihu." She whispered, her heart racing in anticipation and longing. She wanted to hear his voice, hear his whispered promises of love, hear his laughter and flirting remarks. "How are y--"

The phone went dead, killing her desires too. She looked at Vansh, confused. "Your phone," she mumbled, handing it to him. Vansh took it back with a shrug and placed it aside, "Died. Low battery."

"Thanks," she whispered, running her fingers through his hair. Vansh snuggled closer and pressed a kiss to her crown. "Sweet dreams, bunny."

"You won't sleep?" She pout, looking at him. Vansh smiled wistfully, shaking his head as he sat up on the bed. "I have work to do."

"At night?" She asked in an accusing tone. "Night is for sleeping, Rai."

"It's important work, bunny." He sighed, chuckling at her. 'Work that can only be done in the darkness of the night.'

Mayura stifled a yawn, her hand reaching out to ruffle Vansh's well combed hair. "Fine, but don't make it a habit." Vansh nodded, pressing a delicate kiss to her forehead. "If you need anything, call Mrs. D'Souza, okay?"

"Ok," she whispered, snuggling into the mattress. Vansh remained seated beside her on the bed, his fingers running through her hair tenderly. His gaze fell on her hand, a wave of relief washing over him when he saw the new bandage on her finger. "Did you have your medicine?"

"Oops!" she hit her palm to her face, sitting up on the bed. "It's in my bag." Vansh reached for her bag, unzipping it and drew out her medicine strips. He popped out two pills and passed it to her, which she gulped down with a glass of water. "You forgot this," he spoke, showing her a small tablet, a sleeping pill that he had secretly taken from his pocket. Mayura swallowed it too with the water, feeling drowsy within seconds.

She lay back, feeling weak and disoriented. "Good night, darling." He whispered, pulling the blanket up to her shoulders. He brushed the strands of hair away from her face, a small but peaceful smile lingering on his lips.

Vansh reached for his phone, pressing the power button to turn it on. Slowly, he lifted himself off the bed and left the room, the door ajar.

Minutes later, Vansh and Angre left the farmhouse. A group of bodyguards remained posted around her room, the female ones hidden inside. On the couch facing Mayura's bed, sat Mrs. D'Souza her gaze darting attentively across the room. The door and windows remained opened, the sounds of the night filling the room.

Mayura remained unaware, lost in her world of forced slumber until the next morning.

✎

Hello, Vihu.

Her voice was soft, like a gentle caress to his soul. Vihaan felt his insides burn, his heart racing at her voice. As the call disconnected, he felt something inside him shatter. Splinters of his broken desires cut deep, surprising him.

He could swear that he didn't love her, that he was only madly obsessed with her and yet, those two words were enough to create a storm within him and question the lies he told himself. The delicate nature of her tone stirred something deep under his layers of obsession. Something too warm and wild, an aching desire, a longing for his beloved.

His lips parted, a soft breath leaving his lips. A tingle rose from his feet and moved up to his chest. His heart beat in symphony, a wave of calmness washing over him. And with the wave of calmness, came on the salts of desire. He desired to see her, to hear her voice and love her.

He wanted her!

With an intensity that drove him mad. The distance, her silence, the pain he caused - it flamed his desires further. He sighed, leaning back on the chair, his hand reaching for his wallet with a fragile urgency. He flipped it open, his eyes desperately searching for the photograph he had kept within it.

A bolt of relief struck him as he found the picture of them - on their first shopping date - in his wallet. Mayura's smile was ethereal, a touch of serenity. Her head rested on his shoulder, eyes fixed on him with devotion.

Earlier, Vihaan felt nothing, but now as he noticed her devotion towards him, he felt his chest swell in adoration and reverence. Something divine flowed through his being, overshadowing the darkness within him, brushing him with the truths of humanity and life. And love.

"My queen," he whispered like a prayer, his finger gently tracing her figure. A maniacal laugh echoed in the room but Vihaan remain unfazed, his eyes fixed on Mayura's smile and the adoring twinkle in her eyes. "I miss you,"

"I'll kill her!" The man threatened, struggling against the ropes. "If you don't free me right now, you bastard, my men will give her the most brutal death. Your beloved Mayura," he sneered, "she'll be ravished by them, utterly destroyed and humiliated, and left for the world to see. And the cause of her death will be you and your twin brother, Vansh." He spat, his lips curved into a malicious smirk as he pulled against his restraints.

Rohit grabbed a handful of his hair, pulling his head back in a tight grip. His fingers curled around the man's neck, fingers digging precariously in his tender flesh. The man coughed and spluttered. "You've got a death wish, man," Rohit taunted, tightening his hold on the man's throat.

Vihaan rose and approached him, tilting the struggling man's head back to meet his darkened gaze. "Try it," he spoke, his voice holding a dangerous edge, "I dare you. But remember, if you even as much as touch her shadow, I'll show you what actual hell means." His voice lowered as he pulled the man's face close by his hair, whispering in his ear, "Unless you want your family to be involved, back off! Because I don't show any mercy to those that threaten what is mine."

Vihaan whispered dark threats in his ears, their nature solely reserved for him. With every threat, the man's heart raced, shivers running down his spine. Sweat pooled under his thighs and before he knew it, he had urinated in his pants.

Disgusted, Vihaan threw him back and he fell harshly, his back arching in pain. "Scoundrel." He muttered, wiping his hand on a cloth and threw it away. With Rohit at his heel, Vihaan left the enclosure.

"Sir, shall I increase the security around madam?" Rohit inquired, keeping pace with his boss.

"Yes," he responded. "And inform Angre to be more vigilant. Vansh is with her right now. She'll be safe with him, and that is time you need to take to strengthen the security."

"Understood, boss."

'Cupcake,' he thought, gritting his teeth, 'you belong to me, and only me. I won't let anyone take you away from me, or even harm a strand of your hair. You're mine. Only mine! Body, mind and soul - you are my treasure, and I will keep you hidden from the world for my entire life.'

✎

Mayura stood hidden behind the curtain of the makeshift clinic, adjusting her clothes. The nurse handed her a thick and soft towel, assisting her in wiping the gel off her wrists and ankles.

"Thank you," she whispered to the nurse and fixed her hair, throwing her sling bag over her right shoulder. With an exhaustive sigh, she settled down beside him with a thud. His gaze met hers, conveying the depths of his worries and stress towards her ill-health. Mayura passed him a small smile, her hand placed over his and giving it a light squeeze. "I'm fine, dragon."

"Your heart would beg to differ, Ms Mayura." Doctor Ashutosh interjected with a scoff as he lowered his glasses to the table. "Your arrhythmia, to be specific."

Mayura glared at Ashutosh, her eyes pools of fire at his unnecessary comment. He shrugged, placing her reports on the table. "Your stress levels are rising. If this goes on, you can expect a heart attack as a surprise gift."

"Princess," he growled, looking at her for understanding. "How many times? Just how many more times must I repeat myself, Mayura?"

She shuddered, the serious nature of his tone sending a shiver down her spine. "I'm trying, dragon. But everything doesn't go my way. I've done everything - yoga, meditation, stress management - everything needed." She pleaded with sincerity, her fingers curling around his palms and he let out a sigh.

"What now, Ashu?" He asked, turning his attention towards his companion, his rugged features marked with worry. "For now, I will book another bed for you beside hers," he spoke sardonically, "since your stress levels are way above hers."

"Be serious, Doctor Ashutosh!" He snapped, leaning closer to him. "I am being serious." He replied in a sharp but calm tone. "I mean what I say - you need to stop stressing, man. She might not, but you will for sure be hospitalized if you don't take it easy."

He grit his teeth, clenching his fists tightly. Mayura felt waves of his muscles ripple under her palm, a chord of tension striking her. "Mayan, please." She pleaded.

Mayan sighed, composing himself in a matter of minutes. "Fine." He spoke in a low growl, leaning back on his blue plastic chair. "Do what you need to, Ashutosh. Just make sure my princess is healthy."

Ashutosh flaunted a tight lipped smile towards him. "Thank you for enlightening me of my job." Without waiting for a reply, Ashutosh turned towards Mayura, his demeanor calming. With a quick movement, he scooted closer to her, his hands reaching for his glasses and he put them on gingerly. He asked her a series of questions regarding her history of cardiac treatment, respites and medications prescribed.

Taking out a notepad, he scribbled down a medication, a beta blocker known for lowering stress hormones. He instructed her about the durations and frequency, urging that she rest her body as much as possible. "These medicines can make you feel dehydrated, so remember to keep drinking fluids."

"Any dietary restrictions?" She inquired, her eyes scanning over the names of the medicines.

"Just avoid oily food." He answered, a momentary pause halting him as he dug his mind for exaction and elaboration. With a restrained sigh, he confirmed his knowledge before continuing his dissertation towards her health.

✎

• mayura •

Leaning back into the car seat, I popped out a pill and swallow the beta blocker with a gulp of water. His eyes remain fixed on me, worry marring his features.

Ashutosh steps out of the car, giving my hair a messy ruffle and passes a wink my way. "Take care, princess. If you need anything, call me. Don't bother Mayan."

"Ashu, yaar!" He whines at him, giving me sad puppy eyes. I giggle, ruffling his hair. "Don't worry, Bhai. You're the first I'll come to." He brightens, but Ashutosh dulls, pouting at me.

"Haan, haan. Saara pyaar usse do. Mein toh paraya hoon. Kachre se uthaya hai mujhe." Ashutosh grumbles, turning away.

"Chalo, tumhe finally sach pata toh chala." Mayan Bhai mocked, getting out of the car, and threw his arms around Ashu's neck, pulling him closer to ruffle his hair. Ashutosh bhai groans and struggles, trying to free himself. He huffs, pushing Mayan away who was laughing at his messy state. I step out, adjusting my bag and am immediately pushed into Ashu's embrace, his chin resting on my crown. He arm is wrapped around my shoulder tightly, holding me close as he teases Mayan.

I laugh, enjoying their banter when a sudden chill passes down my spine. I look around, finding no one.

Strange! I thought someone was watching me.

I hear the click of a camera shutter and turn towards the sound source, finding many people taking photographs of the scenery.

Maybe I was overthinking.

Letting out a deep breath, I give them a tight hug each, announcing my need to departure, an unwanted but necessary event. They permit my departure, making promises of communication the moment I step into the premises of my cabin, when I leave for the sanctuary of my home, and once more when I'm within its confines.

Making my promises, I step away from them with a heavy heart. A sadness overwhelms me and I run back into their arms, hugging them tightly. They are patient and understanding, holding me close like a parent holds a child, whispering sweet words of bravery.

"You need to go, princess." Mayan urges. I refuse, shaking my head. "No, bhai."

"Don't worry, princess. We'll meet again, soon." Ashutosh says.

"Pakka, bhai?" I ask, my voice tight and choked. He smiles, giving me a positive nod. "Now go. Don't forget to call us, okay."

I smile, taking a step back. I wish Vihaan and Vansh were here, they would like Ashu and Mayan Bhai so much! But these two don't want to meet them, and they also call them freaks for a reason unknown to me.

"Go now. And if anyone troubles you, don't hold back. Acche se suna dena usse. Uske baad jo hoga, woh hum dono sambhalenge."

Ashutosh scoffs, tucking his hands deep into his pant pockets. "If those two freaks let us, then we will."

"Bhai, yaar!" I say, "Mat bolo. Woh dono mere best friends hai. Thode rude aur akdu hai, but dil se acche bhi hai!" His scowl deepens, his eyes meeting Mayan's who mumbles words under his breath.

I stand there, confused by their inner talks. "Tum abh jao, princess. Bahut late ho gaya hai. You need to rest now." Mayan says, pushing me away from them.

"Bye, bhai." I smile, giving him a last hug. Turning to Ashutosh, I wave at him, and he gives me an endearing smile. Turning around, I take a deep breath and walk away from their safety into the world of ruthlessness and power plays. A world everyone calls my home.

With a resolute determination, I cross down the streets, from the darkness to the light, and cross the main gates of the Raizada mansion. The gate creaks, announcing my arrival as I step into a museum of opulence and luxury.

"Morning, madam." Samar, the security head, greets with his rifle strapped on his back. I respond with a nod, breaking down my steps as he uprises me of the household activities from last morning. With his final words, I look at my watch, noting the time. I had a few minutes pending to leave for work.

Dismissing him, I stride across the garden and over to the outhouse, opening the door within seconds. Stepping in to my zone, I warm up the leftovers of the night in the kitchen and take a quick shower, slipping into my work outfit.

Dressed in my office wear, I drape the indigo coat on the sofa arm. Turning off the stove, I let it cool and scramble for a box. Packing the box, I place it with my water bottle.

Adjusting my watch, a precious gift from my Vihaan, I drape the coat over arm. Collecting my bag, I check my house once and then set out, a black tinted sunglass resting on my nose.

Revving up the engine, I had barely made it out of the parking when Aarohi appears in my path out of nowhere. I frown, hitting the brakes and the car stops inches away from her.

There's a silent challenge, an ominous declaration in her posture as she imposes a halt to my journey to work. Unbuckling the seat belt, I step out and walk over to her, my gaze locking with hers.

"Move," I command in a low and stern tone. But she remains unfazed, her eyes pools of fire and hate. Aarohi's lips part, her words like daggers, pierce my heart but my eyes... they're fixed on the man that stands over the steps, a triumphant smile on his lips.

Anant Raizada, my so called step-father. He's the idealistic damad of the house, loved by everyone. The perfect father, perfect husband, perfect uncle, perfect son-in-law, perfect brother-in-law, and the perfect manipulator.

Seeing him makes my blood boil, and my heart thumps wildly in anger. Aarohi's words may be painful, but they're not hers. They were fed to her by him.

Aarohi's fingers curl around my arm, digging into my skin as she forces me to look at her. Something in me snaps, something wild and violent.

My patience and expectations probably.

With a harsh jerk, I push her away, anger coursing through my veins. She falls to the ground, a cry of pain leaving her lips attracting the family to the entrance.

"Aarohi!" Mayank, her father, cries followed by Sakshi. "Maya, what's with your behaviour?" She scolds.

To hell with Maya. She's dead!

"She's your sister!" She adds, making my insides churn in disgust. "Then I'm showing my sister the consequences of her misbehaviour." I reply in a cold tone.

"You have no right to do that to my daughter!" Mayank rebukes. I chuckle.

"Mr Mayank Raizada," I address in a dangerous tone, "you seem to have forgotten who runs the business here. Let me remind you, it's me! And with that, I have every right and every power to do anything to your daughter or even anyone of you."

Turning around, I call for Samar. He rushed to my side. "Get me her art school application." He hands it over to me, and in front of everyone, I tear the form to pieces, the paper scattered in the driveway. "Get the application for business. She'll be going to America to study business by the end of this month."

"No! You cannot do that." She pleads, tears streaming down her face. With a single stride, I kneel beside her and lift her face to meet my eyes.

"Don't make me repeat myself, Aarohi. I have every right to make decisions in your life. Forget your dreams, and be useful to the household." I spew venom, releasing my hold on her.

I step back, moving towards my car. Holding the door open, I gaze at her. A broken doll, born with a golden spoon and sheltered upbringing, completely unaware of the harsh reality of the world. She'll be crushed easily by the world. Her lips quiver, eyes bloodshot as she mumbles curses under her breath. "This is entirely your fault, Aarohi. Had you focused more on using your hands than your tongue, and kept out of my business, none of this would've happened."

"And you all," I address the remaining members, "stay out of my business and life. What I do, where I go, who I meet is none of your business. Just sit still and eat what I bring." A surge of darkness courses through my veins, inking my next words. "If you rebel, be prepared to be removed from the family, stripped of everything - name, power, money, sources and influences. I'll ensure that your life is way worse than the beggars on the streets."

Without another word, I settle back into the car and drive away to office. With every passing minute, my nerves calm, my anger dissipating and heart beats relaxing as I inch closer to my serenity - my workspace.

[4258]

Hello, everyone!!

I hope you liked the chapter. What do you think about Mayura and her dark side?

Your thoughts on Anant and the Raizada's?