Mumbai
Jannat Villa
Room
As soon as Sophia entered her room, she flung her coat onto the floor, excitement radiating from her every move. "Rudraksh, baby! Where are you?" she called out, her voice filled with glee. "Do you have any idea how happy I am? You finally called me! Oh my God, I'm so, so happy!"
Rudraksh glanced at her with a calm, unreadable expression before speaking in a slow, deliberate tone. "Of course, Sophia. Why wouldn't I call you? After all, you are my girlfriend."
Sophia, too caught up in her excitement, barely noticed the lack of warmth in his words. She walked closer, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "That's all fine, Rudraksh, but tell meâwhy did you call me here all of a sudden? Are we going to have a romantic time together?" she asked, her voice teasing as she twirled a strand of her hair.
Rudraksh narrowed his eyes at her before responding, "Of course. But before that, I need to thank you, don't I?" His lips curled into something that resembled a smile, yet it sent an uneasy shiver down Sophia's spine. "After all, you gave my so-called wife a gift. I never expected that from you."
Sophia felt a sudden wave of nervousness wash over her, and she discreetly wiped the sweat forming on her forehead. Trying to maintain her composure, she forced a small laugh. "Of course, Rudraksh! Why wouldn't I do that for you? You know how much I hate that girl, but for you, I was willing to do this. If it makes my Rudraksh happy, then why wouldn't I?"
Her words flowed, but her tongue felt heavy. Something about the way Rudraksh was looking at her made her uneasy.
"Why, baby?" she asked, attempting to sound casual. "Did you not like it?"
Rudraksh took a step closer, his presence overwhelming, his gaze piercing right through her. "Why wouldn't I like it?" he murmured, tilting his head slightly. "You did something so... thoughtful for me. Of course, I appreciate it."
Sophia let out a small breath of relief, but her ease was short-lived.
Rudraksh's next words sent a jolt of fear down her spine.
His voice, now laced with a sinister edge, was barely above a whisper as he asked, "What exactly did you give to my so-called wife?"
Sophia's throat went dry. A lump formed in her stomach as she struggled to find her voice. "Uh... IâI gave her a bracelet," she stammered, forcing a nervous smile. "A diamond bracelet."
Rudraksh arched a brow, a slow smirk playing on his lips. "Really? A diamond bracelet? That expensive? For someone you claim to hate?" His eyes darkened as he took another step toward her. "That's quite... strange."
Sophia felt her legs weaken, but she quickly composed herself. "I just wanted to show her our status, Rudraksh," she said, feigning confidence. "I wanted her to know who we are and how we live. I wanted to make sure that low-class girl realizes what she truly deserves. I did the right thing, didn't I?"
Her voice was laced with artificial innocence as she looked at him expectantly, hoping to hear his agreement.
But Rudraksh didn't nod. He didn't speak. Instead, he held her gaze, his eyes filled with something unreadableâsomething dangerous.
Then, without a word, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a stack of photographs.
With an eerie calmness, he tossed them onto the table in front of her.
"What about this?" he asked.
Sophia's heart stopped.
Her eyes widened in sheer horror as she looked at the photographsâphotographs that exposed the truth she had desperately tried to hide.
Her own gift, the one she had given with twisted intentions, now lay before her in a way she had never expected.
Beads of sweat formed on her forehead as fear gripped her entire being.
She knew.
She knew she had just awakened the devil standing before her.
Rudraksh loomed over Sophia, his grip tightening as he clutched her cheeks, forcing her to look into his cold, menacing eyes. His fingers dug into her skin, making her wince in pain.
"Words, darling... words," he whispered darkly. "Silence is only appreciated when it comes from me."
His hold grew harsher, his fingers pressing into her delicate skin like a vice. Sophia gasped, but the pain made it impossible for her to utter a single word.
To the outside world, Rudraksh appeared indifferent, almost careless. But in reality, he was a raging fireâone that burned with an intense hatred for lies, betrayal, and deception.
Sophia, feeling the weight of his fury, let out forced tears. "Rudraksh... it hurts," she whimpered, hoping her distress would soften him.
But it only made his eyes darken further.
"Oh, it will," he hissed. "You know very well how much I despise liesâespecially when they're about me." He leaned in closer, his breath fanning against her trembling face. "Tell me, Sophia, were you planning to destroy my image? Is that what you wanted?"
His grip on her face didn't loosen.
"What if that girl had shown these photos to Dada?" he continued, his voice now dripping with venom. "How dare you, Sophia? How dare you even think of doing this?"
Before Sophia could react, Rudraksh pulled out his gun and pressed it against her temple.
A chill ran down her spine.
This was who he truly wasâa man who never hesitated to erase anyone who dared to betray him. Lies and deception were punishable offenses in his world, and Sophia had just committed both.
Her lips trembled as she stared at the weapon pressed against her skull.
"You... you want to kill me?" she stuttered, fear gripping her entire being.
Rudraksh's eyes were as cold as death itself as he stared at her, his fingers flexing around the gun. "There's no place for liars in my life."
And thenâhe pulled the trigger.
A deafening gunshot echoed through the room.
A scream pierced the silence.
Sophia's eyes flew open, her heart hammering in her chest.
She was alive.
She gasped, her breaths coming out in sharp, ragged pants. He hadn't killed her.
The relief was overwhelming, but before she could say anything, Rudraksh's voice sliced through the air, sharp and merciless.
"Get lost."
Sophia flinched at the iciness in his tone.
"Rudraksh, pleaseâ" she whispered, but before she could finish, his rage exploded.
"GET OUT!" he roared, his voice like thunder, shaking her to the core. "If you value your life, leave this place and never show your face to me again. If I see you again, I won't miss next time."
Terror consumed her. She knew he wasn't bluffing.
Without another word, she turned and ran, stumbling over her own feet as she bolted out of the room.
She didn't dare look back.
Because she knewâif she did, she might not live to see another day.
After Sophia Left...
Rudraksh's fingers clenched as he stared at the photographs in his hands. His eyes darkened, turning a deep, dangerous red. He had never allowed anyone to get this close to him, yet these pictures told a completely different story. A story he hadn't written. A story he hadn't allowed.
His grip on the photographs tightened before he let out a slow, sharp exhale. Without a second thought, he pulled out a cigarette, lighting it up with practiced ease. Taking a deep drag, he flicked the lighter onto the stack of pictures. The moment the small flame kissed the edges of the glossy prints, they curled and turned to ash, burning away into nothingness.
His eyes remained fixated on the fire until there was nothing left but blackened scraps.
Nightâ3:00 AM
The guests had finally left. The grand party had ended hours ago, and the entire villa was now cloaked in silence.
Haya was exhausted.
Her body ached, her back throbbed, and her eyes burned with fatigue. She could barely stand straight, her legs trembling under the weight of the heavy lehenga that clung to her like a burden she desperately wanted to shed.
With slow, tired movements, she began removing her jewelry, her fingers fumbling with the intricate clasps. Once free from the suffocating attire, she slipped into the bathroom for a shower, letting the cold water soothe her aching muscles.
By the time she stepped out, her wet hair clinging to her shoulders, she noticed Rudraksh lying on the bedâmotionless, face down. His arms were sprawled out, his eyes shut, his body completely still.
Haya frowned.
For a moment, she simply stared at him, then whispered under her breath, "Crazy man... looks like a corpse lying there."
She shook her head, brushing away the strange thought, and turned toward the dressing table. But just as she was about to take a step, something unexpected happened.
A foot blocked her path.
Before she could react, she lost her balance and stumbled forwardâstraight onto Rudraksh.
Her breath hitched as her body collided with his. But before she could even process what had happened, Rudraksh swiftly flipped her over, trapping her beneath him in a matter of seconds.
It all happened so fast that Haya didn't even get a chance to struggle.
Rudraksh loomed over her, his dark eyes locked onto hers. A slow smirk played on his lips as he traced his fingers along her waist in lazy circles.
"So?" His voice was low, dangerous. "Was I lying there like a corpse, or was I not?"
Haya swallowed hard, her heart pounding against her ribs.
Rudraksh leaned in, his fingers trailing up, reaching her lips. "But you know..." he murmured, brushing his thumb against her lower lip, making her shiver, "if that sharp tongue of yours keeps running at this speed, I wouldn't mind turning you into a corpse for real."
A strange unease curled inside Haya.
Gathering all her strength, she pushed against his chest, forcing him off her. "You could have said that from a distance!" she snapped. "There was no need to get this close. Or do you find peace only when you're near me, Shaitan Shekhawat?"
Rudraksh arched a brow at the nickname before his smirk deepened. He leaned closer, his breath warm against her skin. "Really? If that's what you think..." He paused, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Then let's go with that. Let's say I am desperate to be close to you. Let's say I crave it. So what's the harm?"
His fingers slid to her neck, his touch featherlight.
"You are my wife, after all..." he whispered, his voice dripping with amusement. "Even if it's by force."
With that, he dipped his head, his lips ghosting over her neck as he inhaled deeply.
A shiver ran through Haya's spine.
The sensation was foreignâtoo close, too intimate. Panic surged inside her, and without a second thought, she shoved him away.
"Stop it!" she snapped, glaring at him. "What the hell do you think you're doing? Stay in your limits, Rudraksh!"
Rudraksh chuckled, utterly unfazed by her anger. "Or what?" he teased. "You'll kill me?"
Haya's eyes burned with fury. "If you ever try to come near me again, I will kill you."
Rudraksh tilted his head, completely unbothered by the threat. "Hmm... interesting." He leaned back against the bed, crossing his arms. "Go ahead. Try. I'd love to see just how much strength you actually have."
Haya let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through her damp hair. She was too exhausted for this.
"I'm too tired for your nonsense, Rudraksh," she muttered, pressing her fingers against her temple. "Just leave me alone. I need to sleep."
Rudraksh smirked but said nothing.
Rudraksh sprawled lazily on the bed, stretching his arms as he smirked. "You know," he drawled, "we could sleep together. What's the harm in that?" His voice held a teasing lilt, his dark eyes watching her with amusement.
Haya's jaw clenched. "Not happening."
But Rudraksh wasn't done. He leaned forward, his gaze locking onto hers, as he added in a husky whisper, "And as for my words... I know they give you pleasure." His smirk deepened. "I can feel it in the way your body reacts to me, Zabardasti ki Biwi."
Haya stiffened, her breath hitching.
He wasn't lying.
Every time he got too close, every time his rough, masculine scent surrounded her, she did react. Her body betrayed her, shivering under his touch, responding to his nearness in ways she couldn't explain.
It infuriated her.
It confused her.
Because she didn't love him.
And yet...
Haya swallowed hard, looking anywhere but at him.
Rudraksh noticed her silence, and his smirk widened. He slowly leaned in, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear as he whispered, "So? What have you decided?"
Before she could answer, he shrugged off his coat, ready to discard it completely.
That was the final straw.
Haya shoved him back with all her strength. "Stay away from me!" she snapped.
Without another word, she grabbed a blanket and stormed toward the couch. She threw herself onto it, yanking the blanket over her head, cocooning herself from him.
Rudraksh chuckled, watching her small, blanket-wrapped form with a tilted smirk.
"This is just the beginning," he murmured, more to himself than to her. "Wait and watch, Haya Diwan... soon, you'll willingly walk out of this house. And when you do, it will be on my terms."
A knowing glint flickered in his eyes as he pushed himself off the bed and made his way to the bathroom.
This game had only just begun.
Will Rudraksh really trouble Haya, or is there something else in store? Will the distance between them turn into an unexpected closeness?
To find out, read "The Devil's Sweet Sin."
The story is about to take an even more thrilling turn! Will Rudraksh succeed in forcing Haya out of his life, or is there a hidden reason behind his hatred? And what about Hayaâdoes she truly despise him, or is her heart betraying her in ways she doesn't yet understand?
Stay tuned to uncover the dark secrets, sizzling chemistry, and the undeniable pull between them!