Mumbai â Jannat Villa
A sudden pull from Ishan made Areena fall straight into his lap. She gasped in surprise, her eyes widening as she found herself so close to him. Ishan, unfazed, gently traced his fingers over her face, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. His voice was calm but firm as he asked, "Are you going to tell me the full truth now?"
Areena, still struggling to process everything, frowned and pulled away slightly. "I was trying to talk to you about something important, Ishan! But what were you doing? Staring at me instead of listening?" Her voice was laced with frustration as she turned away from him, crossing her arms in irritation.
Ishan, however, was not one to let go so easily. Without a second thought, he lifted her effortlessly in his arms and carried her to the bed. He laid her down gently, making himself comfortable beside her. His fingers moved to her hair as he murmured, "Come here. Let me give you a head massage."
Areena turned to look at him, still annoyed. "You're ignoring me again, Ishan. Why aren't you taking this seriously? Do you even understand how much this is bothering me?" Her voice grew softer, almost vulnerable. "Everyone keeps asking me about this... Should we consult a doctor?"
At her words, Ishan's hands, which had been gently massaging her scalp, suddenly stilled. His entire body tensed as he processed what she had just said. His brows furrowed, and when he finally spoke, his voice carried an edge of irritation. "Seriously, Areena? Have you completely lost it? Do you even realize what you're saying right now?" His eyes searched hers as if trying to find some logic in her words. "I mean, really?"
Areena's lips parted, but before she could say anything, he continued, his tone firm yet reassuring. "There's nothing wrong with you, Areena. Nothing. And there's nothing wrong with me either. This isn't some problem that needs fixing. Starting a family is our decision, and no one else has the right to interfere or give us 'advice' about it."
His gaze softened slightly as he added, "And as for Mom, I'll talk to her myself. You don't need to stress over what others say. Stop letting their words get to you. I'm not going anywhere. I'm right here with you."
He gently cupped her face, tilting her chin up so she had no choice but to meet his eyes. "And listen to me carefully, Areenaâyou're not old. You're still young, and you have so much to experience. Once we have kids, you won't have the time to focus on yourself like you do now. So, stop worrying and enjoy the present."
Areena wanted to argue, to tell him how deeply this matter was affecting her, but before she could utter another word, Ishan silenced her with a firm yet affectionate look. She sighed, finally giving in to his warmth and reassurance.
Ishan smirked slightly, satisfied that she was finally calming down. He traced a slow, teasing line down her cheek with his fingers and whispered, "That's more like it."
Then, with a stretch, he sat up. "Alright. Now, get some rest. I have some important work to finish."
Areena watched him as he got up, her earlier tension slowly melting away. A small smile appeared on her lips. Somehow, she felt lighterâlike a burden had been lifted off her chest.
Maybe, just maybe, everything was going to be okay.
Evening Time
Haya stood on the balcony of her room, lost in deep thought. Her mind was racing with a single questionâhow would she talk to Rudraksh about her studies? Every time she had brought up the topic before, she had been met with nothing but dismissal. And what if Rudraksh refused this time too? What if he shattered her hopes completely? What would he say? These thoughts filled her with fear, making her hesitate even more.
Just then, she heard the sound of the door opening. Instinctively, she clenched her eyes shut, her breath hitching. She could feel the presence of someone entering the roomâslow, deliberate footsteps echoed in the silence. When she finally turned around, she saw Rudraksh walking inside. His face was unreadable, but his mood was visibly sour.
Haya could feel her heart pounding, but she didn't let her emotions surface. Rudraksh scanned the room with his tired, cold blue eyes and, without a word, headed straight to the washroom.
A few minutes later, he returned. Haya, nervously twisting her fingers together, stole a glance at him. Rudraksh barely spared her a look before walking straight to the balcony. He pulled out a cigarette, lighting it with practiced ease.
Gathering courage, Haya hesitantly stepped forward and offered, "Water?"
Rudraksh took the glass from her hands, drank silently, and handed it back without acknowledging her gesture.
"Do you want anything? Tea or coffee?" she asked softly.
This time, he looked at herâhis gaze deep, searching, and intimidating. But instead of responding, he simply turned his attention back to his cigarette.
Haya exhaled slowly, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm asking you something."
Without breaking eye contact, Rudraksh suddenly flicked his cigarette away and asked in a firm voice, "What do you want?"
His abruptness caught her off guard. She looked away for a moment before mumbling, "I was just asking out of basic human decency. You looked tired, so I thoughtâ"
Before she could complete her sentence, Rudraksh grabbed her wrist and spun her around to face him. His grip was firm, his expression laced with irritation. "I hate lies, Haya. And I know you too well. You wouldn't come to me unless you needed something. So drop the actâjust tell me what you want."
Haya swallowed hard, trying to break free from his intense stare. "I... I...," she stammered, struggling to find the words.
Rudraksh let out a low chuckle. "Strange. Your tongue never hesitates when you argue with me. What's so difficult to say now? Do you want half of my property or something?" His sarcasm was razor-sharp.
Haya's frustration bubbled over. "Stop talking nonsense! Can't you ever think of something good?" she snapped.
Rudraksh, unaffected, picked up his phone. "Get to the point, Haya. I don't have time for this."
This time, she wasted no time. "I want to study. I need admission to collegeâthe same one where Falak goes. I want to complete my education."
She finally said it. Her heart raced as she searched his face for a reaction. But Rudraksh just stared at her, his expression unreadable.
"Say something," she prompted impatiently.
After a long pause, he sighed. "You made such a big deal over this?"
Haya bit her lip and explained, "I could've asked Mom, but I thought I should talk to you first. You know how things work here, and I don't. I thought you'd help."
Rudraksh scoffed, shaking his head. "Really? Are you a two-year-old kid that I need to hold your hand like a toy? You want to study? Go ahead. Do whatever you want. But don't expect me to take you there like some babysitter. Find someone elseâanyone can handle your admission."
With that, he turned to leave. As he reached the door, he threw one last remark over his shoulder. "Next time, don't waste my time."
And then he was gone.
Haya stood there, his words ringing in her ears. Anger simmered inside her, but she forced herself to stay calm. Taking a deep breath, she followed after him.
"Mr. Rudraksh?" she called out.
He was just about to step out of the room when her voice made him stop abruptly. He turned around slowly, his sharp eyes filled with irritation.
Haya met his gaze head-on, determination replacing her earlier hesitation. She wasn't done yet.
Haya walked up to Rudraksh, her posture calm but determined. Looking straight into his eyes, she said, "Mr. Rudraksh, listen to me carefully. I am married to you, right?"
Rudraksh's eyes darkened with irritation, his jaw tightening. "Unfortunately, yes," he spat out coldly.
Haya, unbothered by his words, tilted her head slightly. "Whether it's unfortunate or fortunate, the fact remains the same, doesn't it?" She took a step closer, her voice unwavering. "So accept this truth and get it into your headâI don't live with a driver or a servant. I don't share a room with them. I live with you. That makes my responsibilities yours as well."
Before Rudraksh could explode in anger, she swiftly stepped aside and added, "I'll just tell Mom. Then you can decideâwill you take care of my admission, or will someone else do it?"
Without waiting for his response, Haya turned and walked away, leaving him standing there, fuming.
Dining Hall
The atmosphere at the dinner table was calm, the clinking of cutlery filling the space. Everyone was engaged in their meals when Mannat Ji turned to Haya with a warm smile. "How are you feeling, dear? Is your health okay?"
Haya smiled slightly at her concern.
Mannat Ji continued, "I was planning to visit you in the morning, but I thought you'd be resting, so I didn't want to disturb you. But you seem better now."
Haya nodded in appreciation, grateful for her kindness.
Just then, Veena turned to Rudraksh, her gaze sharp. "Rudraksh, why did you leave Falak behind? You brought Haya with youâyou could've brought Falak too."
Rudraksh, who had been eating his dinner in silence, didn't even look up. He continued chewing before replying, his voice laced with irritation, "Is this really so important that we need to discuss it over dinner?"
A heavy silence fell over the table. No one dared to say another word.
What will Haya do next? Will Rudraksh finally agree to her wishes, or will another storm arise between them?
Did this chapter keep you hooked? What do you think about Haya's decisionâshould she stand her ground, or is Rudraksh right in his own way?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
And get ready for the next chapter of The Devil's Sweet Sin, where emotions will run even higher, and unexpected twists await! Stay tuned!