Mumbai
Shekhawat Industries
Rudraksh was sitting in his messy look, his eyes fixated on the painting in front of him, when Sofia slowly walked up to him. She approached him and said, "Baby..." Rudraksh, without any expression, replied, "How many times do I have to tell you, Sofia? Knock before entering." Sofia, softly, responded, "I'm your fucking girlfriend, Rudraksh. You always make me feel like I'm some outsider trying to force myself on you. And my dad keeps asking about our wedding. I've told him about this wife of yours, but he's not upset. They want us to get married, understand, baby?"
At Sofia's words, Rudraksh glared at her in anger and said, "They should have a valid reason to refuse, Sofia, which they don't. There is no man better than me in this world, so why would they refuse? And one more thingâI'm no one's servant. I prefer living my life on my own terms. If you don't want your life to end up like that forced wife's, then stay out of my business and stop interfering in my life."
At Rudraksh's words, Sofia chuckled sarcastically and said, "Okay, so we're partying tonight, right? I've planned a beachside party, and all my friends are coming. Will you come too?" Rudraksh, thinking for a moment, replied, "I don't know... maybe. It's possible that today, there's a reception with that forced wife at my place. I never know what my family will decide without consulting me, so I can't make any promises right now."
At Rudraksh's response, Sofia softly asked, "Coffee?" Rudraksh casually replied, "Sure..." Sofia, handing him the coffee, added, "You know, every single employee at your office knows I'm your girlfriend. They greet me so well. You don't even realize it."
Jannat Villa
It was 5 PM, and Haya woke up. The sun was starting to set, and a cool breeze was gently flowing into the room. Beside her, a trolley was placed with evening tea. As she looked around, no one was present. Rudraksh was supposed to arrive in the evening. Just thinking about him, the same old memories began to flood her mind, causing her face to turn red with embarrassment. She started to feel a growing hatred for him. Haya picked out a light peach saree and went into the bathroom.
When Haya came out, her wet hair cascaded down to her waist, droplets of water falling, wetting her waist as well. She put on her mangalsutra, applied a light bit of sindoor, and then walked to the balcony with her tea. The cool wind brushed against her face, and she could see the clear ocean ahead. Below in the garden, the gardener was watering the flowers. A slight smile appeared on Haya's face, the peaceful ocean view bringing her some comfort. After sitting in the balcony for a while, she came back inside. Her thoughts turned to her family, but since she didn't have her phone, she quietly began looking around the room.
The large room had a section dedicated to Rudraksh's achievements. Haya looked at each photo, observing that in all of them, Rudraksh was standing with his usual cold look, holding various trophiesâsome as "CEO of the Year" and others for "Bachelor of the Year." There were photos of him everywhere, but one thing confused her. Some of his pictures were in black suits, with other men in black suits around him as well. She stared at them, wondering, What kind of awards are these where there are no trophies, just strange-looking people?
A few pictures also showed Rudraksh with women, with the women clinging to him, standing very close. Haya murmured, "Cheap man." She was about to turn around when suddenly she bumped into a broad chest. She almost screamed but was stopped by Rudraksh's cold expression, which silenced her.
Rudraksh, without showing any emotion, said, "How dare you touch my things in my room? You don't even have the right to look at them. Do you understand?"
Haya calmly responded, "And you don't have the right to come near me."
Rudraksh took two steps back, saying, "How dare you walk around my room with wet hair? You've been here for only two days, and you've already ruined everything."
Haya stood her ground, replying, "This isn't just your room anymore. It's mine too. Don't teach me what to do. I'll walk around with wet hair if I want to."
Rudraksh grabbed her shoulder roughly, warning, "I've told you fifty times, don't speak like that in front of me, or one day you won't be able to speak at all."
Haya, unflinching, retorted, "But this morning, you were saying that I force myself to get close to you. What now? Are you trying to find an excuse to get close to me?"
Rudraksh smiled smugly, "Have you seen your face? I'm Rudraksh Shekhawat. I can buy girls like you and keep them in my bed. Don't think of yourself as special."
Haya laughed at his words, replying, "Mr. Rudraksh Shekhawat, if you have even an ounce of courage, bring one of those girls you bought and put her in my place. Then I'll believe you have some real power."
Rudraksh glared at her, knowing he had no answer for her. He turned to walk away, but before leaving, he threw a box at her. "Enjoy the perks of being the Shekhawat family's daughter-in-law, Miss Haya Diwan."
Haya opened the box, finding a brand-new, expensive phone inside. She knew the phone's worth was far beyond her own status. Rudraksh, throwing his coat on the bed, said, "This is your earnings for today. Understand? Today, as part of your salary, you get this phone. Take new gifts every day and be happy, because in a month, I will personally kick you out of here, Haya Diwan."
He added with a smirk, "And one more thing. I'll be spending tonight with my girlfriend, so don't even think about opening that filthy mouth of yours in front of anyone."
Haya, unfazed, responded softly, "I won't say anything in front of anyone, but I will tell Grandpa. He'll surely ask me about you."
Rudraksh, furious now, snapped, "I'm warning you for the last time. Don't interfere in my life, or you'll regret it. You don't even know who I really am, and it's better if you stay ignorant. Otherwise, before the month is up, you'll be begging for a divorce."
Haya wanted to respond, but just then, Rudraksh's phone rang. "Mom, I'll be home soon. Don't worry," he said casually, throwing his phone onto the bed and heading into the bathroom.
Haya, her curiosity piqued, grabbed the box and saw the new shiny phone. She knew Rudraksh had already inserted the SIM card, and to her surprise, she found her family's numbers saved on it. Without hesitation, she dialed the number.
On the other side, Gudia answered the call. "Di, how are you? I miss you so much!" Gudia's voice was full of emotion, and hearing it made Haya's heart ache.
Gudia, sounding upset, replied, "Di, it's been just one day since you left, and I can't stand it here. Mom and Dad aren't home, and I'm all alone."
Haya wiped away the tears from her eyes, her heart aching as she listened to Gudia's sad voice. "They left you alone too?" Haya asked softly. Gudia, on the verge of tears, answered, "Yes." Haya took a deep breath, cleared her wet eyes, and reassured her little sister, "Don't worry, Gudia. If you need anything, just call me. And when Mom and Dad come back, make sure to tell them I called." Gudia, still upset, replied in a small voice, "Okay, Di." After a few more minutes of talking, Haya ended the call, feeling a deep sense of longing.
Haya let out a heavy sigh, trying to shake off the overwhelming emotions. She quickly tied her wet hair into a bun. Her mischievous husband was probably still in the shower, she assumed. But little did she know, Rudraksh had already left the bathroom and was now on a call by the poolsideâsomething she had no clue about.
She finished tying her hair and walked toward the pool. Just as she neared the edge, her foot slipped. The water was deep, and before she could react, she fell into the pool with a splash. Haya, unable to swim, began flailing and struggling in the water. Panic set in as she realized she couldn't get out. The water was pulling her down, and she gasped for air, terrified.
How will Haya survive this situation? Will Rudraksh's cold heart melt from her innocence and helplessness?
To find out more, read The Devil's Sweet Sin.