Mumbai
Jannat Villa
Rudraksh's Room
Haya stepped out into the balcony, the cool breeze brushing against her face as she tried to calm her restless mind. She was utterly confused, unable to decide what to do next. Rudraksh had made it clearâif she didn't agree to his condition, then he wouldn't agree to hers either. It was as simple as that, yet as complicated as ever. She ran her fingers through her hair, frustration evident on her face.
"What should I do? What exactly should I do?" she mumbled to herself, pacing back and forth. No matter how hard she tried, no solution seemed to appear before her. She sighed, her hands gripping the railing tightly, as if trying to ground herself amidst the storm raging inside her.
Just then, Rudraksh's voice echoed from inside the room, his tone calm yet laced with his usual arrogance. "I told you, agreeing to my conditions isn't that easy. And let me remind you, I don't have all day to wait for you. After all, you're my wife by force, not by choice. So, whatever you want to say, say it quickly."
His words only added to Haya's irritation. Her blood boiled at his audacity. Turning sharply, she snapped back, "Can't you sit quietly for once? Is that too much to ask for? And for your information, I can't just give you an answer right away! I need time! At least till tomorrow!"
Rudraksh, unfazed as ever, simply leaned against the doorframe, his eyes studying her expression before he nonchalantly replied, "Fine. But I want your answer by tomorrow morning. No delays."
And with that, he turned around and walked out of the room, leaving her standing there, fuming with anger.
Haya clenched her fists. This man was insufferable! How could someone be so stubborn, so annoyingly confident, soâUgh! She felt like smashing something, preferably his head, but she knew that wouldn't help.
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to calm down. There was no point in getting angry. She needed to think clearly, to make the right decision.
After a few moments, she decided she couldn't just stand there. She had to follow him. So, without wasting any more time, she stepped out of the balcony and went after Rudraksh.
Falak was rushing to get ready, her hands moving quickly as she adjusted her earrings and checked her reflection in the mirror. Vihaan was coming to pick her up any moment now, and she still hadn't figured out how to refuse him. She wished there was some way to avoid going to that party, but deep down, she knew it was useless. Once Vihaan had made up his mind, there was no backing out.
Sighing, she picked up her purse and stepped out of her room. Downstairs, the family was gathered in the living area. Falak glanced at them briefly, hoping to slip out unnoticed. But just as she was about to step forward, Rudraksh blocked her way.
She bit her lip, inwardly groaning. This was exactly what she had been trying to avoid. Her brother was way too protective of her, and if he found out where she was going, things would only get complicated.
Rudraksh crossed his arms, his sharp eyes studying her. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked in his usual calm but authoritative tone.
Falak hesitated before replying softly, "Bhai, I'm going to a friend's party."
Rudraksh took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Do you want me to drop you off?"
Falak quickly shook her head. "No, Bhai! I'll manage." Without waiting for another word, she hurried out before he could ask more questions.
As soon as she left, everyone returned to their dinner, and the conversation shifted back to other topics.
Shivay looked at Haya and asked gently, "Haya, beta, have you thought about it? If Rudraksh agrees, you can go for admission tomorrow. He'll take you there."
Before Haya could respond, Rudraksh scoffed in irritation. "Dad, you know what? Just tell her that from now on, I should take her everywhereâbedroom to washroom, washroom to bedroom, upstairs, downstairsâmaybe even tie her to me so she follows me everywhere! How about that?"
Shivay, completely unfazed by his sarcasm, smiled and replied, "That's not a bad idea. If you don't have any problem with it, then sure."
Rudraksh shot him a glare while everyone else chuckled at Shivay's unexpected response.
Mannat Ji, who had been silently watching, finally spoke. "Tell us, beta. What have you decided?"
Before Haya could reply, Rudraksh smirked mischievously. "Yes, Haya, tell us. What's your decision?"
Haya sighed, lowering her gaze. "Dad, I'll let you know by tomorrow morning."
With that, she fell silent, and the rest of the family resumed their dinner, the conversation moving on.
Falak quickly stepped out, glancing around cautiously before spotting Vihaan waiting in his car. As soon as he saw her, he grinned and called out, "Darling, you really love making me wait, don't you? I told you to come quickly, but look at the time! We're already late!"
Falak frowned, crossing her arms. "I told you, I'd be late. Why did you come so early? What if someone had seen you?"
Vihaan chuckled, completely unfazed by her annoyance. By the time she finished speaking, he had already increased the car's speed.
Falak huffed in irritation. "What's so urgent today that you had to drag me along? I told you I didn't want to go!"
Vihaan smirked, glancing at her before saying in a teasing tone, "Something very special, my love. But I'm not going to tell youâI'll show you. You just have to wait a little, baby."
He winked at her, but Falak's expression remained unimpressed. It was clear that whatever Vihaan was planning, she had zero interest in it.
Jannat Villa
Dinner was over, and everyone had retreated to their rooms. The night was calm, the air carrying a faint scent of flowers as Arina sat in the garden, sipping her coffee in silence. She enjoyed these peaceful moments, away from the chaos of the house.
Just then, Haya walked over and sat beside her.
Arina glanced at her in mild surprise. "Oh, Haya! You? I thought you had gone to your room. But never mind thatâtell me, did you talk to Rudraksh? What did he say?"
Haya sighed deeply before narrating everything to Arinaâevery word, every condition, every bit of her frustration.
Arina listened intently, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup as she processed the information. After a moment, she exhaled slowly and said, "So, he really said that to you?"
Haya nodded. "Yes, Bhabhi. He did. And honestly, I don't know what to do. Please, tell me what I should do."
Arina studied her for a second before speaking in a calm, measured voice. "Look, Haya. If Rudraksh has put these conditions before you, it only means one thingâhe's confident that you'll refuse. And that's exactly what he wants."
Haya frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Arina took her hand gently. "I mean, you need to say yes. You need to agree to his conditions."
Haya's eyes widened slightly. "But Bhabhi, how can Iâ?"
Arina cut her off, her voice firm yet kind. "Haya, you want to study, don't you? You want to achieve something, right? Then can't you do this for your own future?"
Haya lowered her gaze, absorbing Arina's words. After a moment, she slowly nodded.
Arina smiled and squeezed her hand. "Good. Then tomorrow morning, you'll tell Rudraksh that you accept his conditions. Alright?"
Haya hesitated for a second but then nodded again. Without thinking, she leaned forward and hugged Arina tightly.
Arina chuckled softly. "Haya, whenever you're troubled, come to me. Talk to me. It'll make you feel better."
Haya pulled back and smiled. "I think Ishan Bhai is really lucky to have you."
Arina's smile deepened, but there was something unreadable in her eyes. "No, Haya... I'm the lucky one. I have Ishan, who understands me so well."
Haya tilted her head thoughtfully. "You both are perfect for each other. Honestly, I think you're the best couple ever. Chachi must be so happy seeing you two together."
At this, Arina's expression shifted slightly. A hint of sadness flickered across her face before she sighed and said in a soft voice, "Sometimes, no matter how perfect something looks, there's always something missing, Haya. Ishan and I... we may look happy, but even we have our shortcomings."
Haya frowned, sensing something deeper in her words. "What kind of shortcomings?"
For a moment, Arina seemed lost in thought. Then, as if brushing it off, she stood up and smiled. "I'll tell you some other time. For now, go and get some sleep. I should go tooâIshan must be waiting for me."
And with that, she walked away, leaving Haya sitting there, deep in thought.
Something about Arina's words didn't sit right with her. There was more to it than what she had said. But what?
Club
Mumbai's nights always shimmered with lights, but tonight felt different for Falak. She and Vihaan had arrived at one of the city's most expensive and exclusive clubs.
Falak glanced around, her brows furrowing slightly as she turned to Vihaan. "Where have you brought me? I've never even heard of this club before. Let's go to our usual place, please."
Vihaan tightened his grip on her hand, his voice firm. "Falak, I need you tonight. So stop overreacting. It's not like this is the first time you've been to a place like this. Listen, I have a very important meeting today. It was originally my dad's, but he wants me to attend itâwith you. So now, you'll have to come with me."
Falak's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?! You brought me here just to attend a meeting? As your girlfriend? Seriously? That's so low, Vihaan! You're only doing this because I'm Rudraksh Shekhawat's sister, aren't you?"
Vihaan quickly held her hand, his tone shifting to desperation. "I'm sorry, Falak. It's not what you think. You know how my dad is, don't you? He gets furious so easily. He wanted you to come with me because he trusts you. Please, Falak, just this once."
Seeing the hint of tears in his eyes, Falak exhaled sharply and muttered, "This is the last time I'm listening to you."
With that, she stormed inside, and Vihaan followed closely behind her.
What will Rudraksh do next? What's going to happen to Falak?
To find out, read "The Devil's Sweet Sin"!