Mumbai
Jannat Villa
The next morning, Haya's eyes fluttered open before Rudraksh. As she slowly regained consciousness, her gaze instinctively fell on him, still fast asleep beside her. She observed his peaceful face for a fleeting moment before pushing aside the thoughts that threatened to consume her. Without making a sound, she got up from the bed and quietly left the room.
Downstairs, the house was already bustling with activity. Pushkar Ji had gone out for some work, Shivay and Rudr had also left, and Falak had already departed for college. Arina and Veena, however, were seated together in the living area, engaged in a conversation.
Haya had dressed herself in a striking red saree, the rich fabric draping around her slender frame in an elegant manner. Her long, jet-black hair was neatly tied into a bun, a few wisps escaping to frame her delicate face. She wore minimal makeup, yet her natural beauty radiated effortlessly. As she stepped into the room, Arina's eyes brightened upon seeing her. She immediately made space beside her and patted the seat, inviting Haya to sit.
"So, how was the party?" Arina asked with a playful smile. "I'm sure you must have enjoyed yourself, right?"
For a brief moment, Haya felt an overwhelming urge to blurt out her true feelingsâto tell Arina that there was no way she could have enjoyed herself in the presence of that devil. But with Veena sitting right there, she knew better than to let her emotions slip. Swallowing her frustration, she simply forced a small smile and replied softly, "Yes, I enjoyed it."
In truth, Haya was indifferent to Rudraksh's life as a mafia boss or a gangster. It didn't faze her in the least. After all, she had long accepted the fact that one day, she would leave this place. This wasn't her home; this was just a temporary chapter in her life. And if she was destined to leave, then what was the point of exposing secrets that didn't belong to her? She didn't want to burden anyone with the bitter memories of her past once she was gone.
Arina, completely oblivious to the storm brewing inside Haya, leaned closer with an excited gleam in her eyes. "Alright, let's do one thing. Come shopping with me today. Dadu has planned a grand reception for this evening, and a lot of important guests will be attending. I was thinking we should go early and pick out some beautiful outfits for the event."
Hearing this, Haya made a face, clearly unimpressed. She shook her head and replied, "Bhabhi, you should go ahead. I already have more than enough dresses. There's really no need for me to buy anything new. I'll just pick something from my wardrobe for the evening."
Veena, who had been quietly scrolling through her phone until now, suddenly lifted her head at Haya's words. She set her phone down and turned to look at her with a pointed expression. "If you don't want to go shopping, that's entirely your choice, Haya. But let me remind you, our family has a certain reputation to uphold. You will be the center of attention at tonight's reception. What do you think people will say if the Shikhawat family's daughter-in-law is not dressed according to our standards?"
Haya sighed, pressing her lips together in an attempt to keep her composure. She wasn't someone who enjoyed unnecessary arguments, but she also wasn't someone who blindly obeyed rules without reason. With measured calmness, she replied, "I understand, Chachi, and I truly respect our traditions. But the dresses I already have are not inappropriate. In fact, they're quite expensive and were personally given to me by this very family. I haven't even worn most of them yet. So, if I choose something from what I already own, why would anyone have an issue with it?"
Veena's expression hardened, and there was a flicker of irritation in her sharp eyes. Her voice was clipped as she responded, "I've said what I had to say. The rest is up to you."
Just then, Mannat entered the room carrying a tray with a steaming cup of coffee. She walked up to Haya and gently placed the cup in front of her before speaking in a soothing voice. "Haya, dear, Veena is right," she said. "We live in a society where appearances matter. The reception tonight is important, and people will be watching you closely. It's better if you buy a new, elegant dress for the occasion. That way, everything will go smoothly."
Haya sighed internally as she glanced at the three women sitting before her. Shopping was the last thing she wanted to do, but she could already sense that resistance would only make things more difficult. Would it really be worth the trouble to argue further?
Haya took a deep breath, glancing at the three women before her. Just then, Rudraksh descended the staircase, dressed impeccably in a three-piece business suit. His presence was commanding as always. Haya didn't say a word upon seeing him, simply continuing to sip her coffee.
Rudraksh, adjusting his cufflinks, spoke in his usual deep voice, "Mom, I'll be having lunch outside today. I have a meeting with a client." He cast a fleeting glance at Haya, who seemed entirely unbothered, lost in her coffee.
As he moved to leave, Mannat stopped him. "Which restaurant did you mention?" she asked casually.
Rudraksh, a little surprised by the question, answered with the restaurant's name before asking, "Did you need something?"
Mannat smiled knowingly and turned to Haya. "Haya, dear, since you're already dressed, why don't you go with Rudraksh? The restaurant is inside the mall, isn't it?"
Both Rudraksh and Haya were caught off guard, their reactions instant and identical. "Absolutely not!" they exclaimed in unison.
Mannat, unfazed by their outburst, remained calm. "Just do as I say," she instructed firmly. Then, turning to her son, she added, "Rudraksh, there's a reception this evening. If Dadu finds out you're skipping family matters for office work again, he'll be furious."
Rudraksh clenched his jaw, knowing all too well that his mother always got her way. There was no arguing with her. He shot her an annoyed look and muttered under his breath, "Ma'am, this is not fair." Then, without another word, he stormed out of the house.
Haya sighed, realizing that, whether she liked it or not, she had no choice but to accompany him.
A while later, both of them were seated in the car, silence hanging heavy between them.
Haya, still fuming, shot Rudraksh a glare filled with nothing but irritation. Without even sparing her a glance, he smirked. "What now? Are you planning to devour me with your eyes?" he teased.
Annoyed, Haya turned her face away, refusing to dignify him with a response. Rudraksh smirked to himself and, as if to provoke her further, increased the speed of the car. Behind them, a convoy of black SUVs followed closelyâhis men, ever-present and ever-watchful.
Haya scoffed, unable to hold back her frustration. "Do these minions of yours follow you everywhere?" she snapped.
Rudraksh, still focused on the road, replied smoothly, "They protect me... from people like you."
Haya's patience snapped. "Are you saying I look like a murderer to you?" she yelled.
Rudraksh chuckled darkly, the corner of his lips curling into a devilish smile. "No, sweetheart. I am the murderer."
Haya sucked in a sharp breath, turning to look out of the window, wanting to escape the suffocating air inside the car. Rudraksh, irritated by her silence, muttered under his breath, "Mom has tied a bell around my neck... and now I have to drag it along everywhere I go."
Haya didn't even hesitate before retorting, "And you're the raging bull that has been forcibly tied to me."
Her words had barely settled when Rudraksh, in response, pressed his foot harder against the accelerator, the car surging forward at an alarming speed.
Haya's fingers instinctively gripped the seat. Her voice was calmer this time but carried a dangerous edge. "Listen, if you even think about pulling the same stunt as yesterday, I swear I'll kill you, Rudraksh Shekhawat."
Rudraksh let out a slow, mocking chuckle. "Neither do you have the strength nor the guts to kill me. So stop daydreaming." Then, leaning slightly toward her, he added in a low voice, "And as for slowing down... sweetheart, this is my style."
Haya glared at him, but Rudraksh was unbothered. His voice held a mocking amusement as he continued, "I don't usually drive myself, but if anyone finds out that Rudraksh Shekhawat is behind the wheel right now... well, they'll only laugh at me."
With that, he pushed the car to an even higher speed.
Rudraksh's driving was reckless, sharp, and aggressive, cutting through the wind like a beast unleashed. He rarely allowed anyone in his car, let alone a woman. Even Sofia had never sat in this car, as he had never let anyone get that close to him.
But today, Hayaâcompletely unaware of the significance of this momentâwas sitting right next to him, gripping the seat in fear as the car sped through the streets at a breakneck pace.
Rudraksh spoke calmly, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "You'll have to get used to this, my forced wife, because my family insists on tying you to me like a damn bell around a bull's neck."
Haya's patience snapped. She turned to him with a glare, her voice laced with defiance. "People only get used to something when they actually accept the relationship. When they intend to spend their life with someone. And you and I have no such relationship, Rudraksh Shekhawat! I'll be filing for a divorce soon and leaving for good. So, save your reckless driving for that Sofia of yours. I don't care!"
Before she could say another word, Rudraksh slammed the brakes, bringing the car to a screeching halt in front of a massive shopping complex. The illuminated sign read in bold letters: Shekhawat Multiplex.
Haya's eyes widened as she took in the grandeur of the place. Letting out a scoff, she muttered under her breath, "Is there any place in Mumbai that doesn't have your name on it?"
Rudraksh stepped out of the car, adjusting his cufflinks as he responded, "This mall belongs to us. So, stop wasting time and go do whatever you need to. Enjoy spending someone else's money while you can." His voice was sharp, dripping with sarcasm.
Haya clenched her fists, anger bubbling inside her. "First of all, I didn't come here to enjoy anything. And second, I just need one dressâfor your reputation, not mine! After all, Rudraksh Shekhawat's wife is supposed to be covered in diamonds and gold, right? Otherwise, how will these high-society people accept me?" Her tone was mocking, yet there was a certain bitterness in her words.
Rudraksh, unfazed, shrugged. "I don't care what you do." Without another word, he pulled out his black card, tossed it in her direction, and turned towards the mall. "Take whatever you want. But be back here before I return. I'm not your servant, Haya. I won't waste my time searching for you."
And with that, he walked away, disappearing into the grand building without sparing her another glance.
Three Hours Later
When Rudraksh returned, he found Haya sitting in a small café just across the street. She was sipping coffee, a half-eaten plate of pasta sitting beside her. Completely engrossed in her phone, she seemed oblivious to the world around her.
Rudraksh leaned back against his car, honking impatiently. The sound startled Haya, making her glance up. With a small sigh, she placed some cash on the table, stood up, and silently walked towards the car, slipping into the passenger seat beside him.
As soon as she settled in, Rudraksh glanced at her handsâno shopping bags. His jaw tightened. "Where are your shopping bags?" His voice was low, controlled, but the irritation was evident.
Haya, sipping the last of her coffee, responded nonchalantly, "What shopping bags?"
Rudraksh's patience was wearing thin. He turned to her sharply. "Are you taking me for an idiot, Miss Haya Diwan?"
Haya, unbothered by his anger, met his gaze with a small smirk. "Are you overestimating yourself, Mr. Rudraksh Shekhawat?" She leaned back against the seat. "I didn't buy anything. So, tell me, what exactly do you expect me to show you?"
For a brief moment, Rudraksh simply stared at her, his fists clenching.
He really wanted to smash something.
Or maybe just her head.
Did Haya really not shop at all?
Will the distance between them turn into closeness?
To find out, read 'The Devil's Sweet Sin'...
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