Chapter 47: 44. Threatened

Naira was still lost in thought about whether she was doing the right thing with Ekansh and Samyuktika when a sleek black car suddenly pulled up beside her. Before she could fully process what was happening, the door swung open, and a firm hand reached out to grab her wrist.

“Get in!” a voice commanded, pulling her inside the car.

Naira's heart raced as the door shut behind her with a loud thud. She turned to see a well-dressed man in the driver's seat, who glanced back at her briefly before focusing on the road. The interior of the car was luxurious, but her mind was racing with questions.

“What is going on? Who are you?” she demanded, trying to regain her composure.

The man in the driver's seat didn't respond, his focus on the road ahead. Naira felt a wave of confusion wash over her. She was just about to confront her feelings and sort things out with Samyuktika, and now this?

As they drove away from the mall, Naira glanced out the window, the familiar streets becoming a blur. What just happened? she wondered, feeling both startled and intrigued by this unexpected turn of events.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. Whatever was happening, she was determined to figure it out.

As the car pulled up to a tall, imposing building, Naira’s heart raced. Before she could fully grasp where she was, the door opened, and the man who had dragged her into the car ushered her out.

“Come on,” he urged, pulling her toward the entrance.

Naira felt a surge of anxiety as they entered the sleek lobby, the atmosphere heavy with a sense of power and authority. The walls were adorned with dark wood and modern art, giving the space an opulent yet intimidating feel.

Then, she saw him—Anirudh Bansal, the infamous mafia king, standing near the reception desk. He exuded confidence, his sharp features and piercing gaze making it clear why he was both feared and respected in the underworld. Naira’s breath caught in her throat; she had heard countless stories about him, but seeing him in person was an entirely different experience.

Anirudh's eyes flickered toward her, a knowing smile creeping onto his lips. “Well, look who we have here,” he said, his voice smooth and commanding.

Naira’s mind raced as she tried to comprehend what was happening. She had just been pulled from her ordinary life into the presence of one of the most powerful figures in the city. She had a sinking feeling that things were about to take a turn she never expected.

Naira took a deep breath, trying to steady herself as she faced Anirudh Bansal. “Why am I here?” she demanded, her voice firmer than she felt. “What do you want from me?”

Anirudh leaned casually against the reception desk, a smirk playing on his lips. “You love Ekansh, don’t you?” he asked, his tone deceptively light.

Naira’s heart raced at his words, but she refused to show any weakness. “That’s none of your business,” she shot back, crossing her arms defiantly.

Anirudh’s expression shifted, his gaze intensifying. “It is my business, Naira. Because if you want him, I can make sure you get him. But if you think you can just waltz away from this situation... well, let’s just say I have a different plan for you.”

Her stomach dropped at the threat in his voice. “What do you mean?” she asked, her heart pounding in her chest.

He stepped closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. “If you don’t play your cards right, I will make your life very difficult. In fact, I might just kill you,” he said, his tone chillingly calm.

Naira’s breath caught in her throat. “You wouldn’t dare,” she whispered, fear coursing through her.

Anirudh chuckled softly, the sound devoid of warmth. “You’d be surprised what I’m capable of. So, tell me, do you want Ekansh or not? Because your answer could very well determine your fate.”

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, and Naira felt the reality of her situation crash down around her. She had to think fast.

Naira swallowed hard, trying to maintain her composure. “Fine,” she said, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. “I want Ekansh.”

Anirudh’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Good choice. But I must say, I’m starting to like Samyuktika as well.”

Naira's heart raced as she processed his words. “You mean you’re lusting after her,” she shot back, unable to mask her disdain.

Anirudh chuckled, his expression unfazed. “Let’s not be coy. She is undeniably beautiful, and I appreciate beauty when I see it.”

Naira clenched her fists, anger bubbling beneath the surface. “What do you intend to do?”

He leaned closer, a sly smile on his lips. “If you want Ekansh, you need to ensure that you’re the one who has his attention. Keep Samyuktika away from me. I have no intention of sharing what I want.”

Naira's mind raced. She didn’t care about Samyuktika’s feelings; her priority was her own survival. “And if I refuse?” she asked, trying to sound defiant.

Anirudh's demeanor shifted slightly, his smile vanishing. “Let’s just say, you wouldn’t want to find out,” he warned, his voice low and threatening.

Naira took a deep breath, understanding the gravity of the situation. “Fine. I’ll do what you want. But I won’t hurt Samyuktika,” she replied, her resolve hardening.

“Good. I like a woman who knows how to play the game,” he said, turning on his heel. “Now, let’s get started.”

As he walked away, Naira felt a rush of conflicting emotions. She had entered a dangerous territory, and she needed to tread carefully to protect herself while navigating Anirudh's dark intentions.

Naira nodded, her heart racing as she prepared to follow Anirudh's instructions. "What’s the plan?" she asked, trying to sound confident despite the fear churning in her stomach.

Anirudh leaned back against the wall, a calculating look in his eyes. “It’s simple. You need to make sure that Ekansh sees you as his priority. Show him that you’re the one who truly cares about him. Meanwhile, I’ll make my move on Samyuktika,” he explained, his tone cold and strategic.

“And how exactly do you plan to do that?” Naira asked, her curiosity piqued despite her better judgment.

He smirked, his expression smug. “I have my ways. I’ll create situations that draw her attention away from you and Ekansh. You just need to keep him distracted and happy, and I’ll take care of the rest.”

Naira felt a chill run down her spine. “And what if I refuse to cooperate?” she challenged, though she knew the answer already.

Anirudh stepped closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “You know the consequences of crossing me. It’s in your best interest to comply. This is a game, Naira, and I intend to win.”

She took a deep breath, steeling herself. “Fine. I’ll do it. But I won’t let you hurt Samyuktika. She doesn’t deserve to be part of your games.”

Anirudh chuckled, clearly amused by her defiance. “You’ll find that in this world, everyone is just a pawn in someone else’s game. Just remember your place, and everything will be fine.”

With that, he turned to leave, leaving Naira to contemplate her next moves. She had agreed to play along, but in the back of her mind, she knew she had to find a way to protect herself and her friend from Anirudh’s dark ambitions.

As she left the building, determination settled in her chest. She might be trapped in this dangerous web, but she wouldn’t let it consume her. She would find a way to turn the tables, even if it meant risking everything.

As Naira stepped out of the building, the weight of Anirudh's threat pressed heavily on her shoulders. “Remember,” he had warned, his voice low and menacing, “if you breathe a word of this to anyone, you’ll regret it.”

Naira nodded, swallowing her fear as she forced herself to meet his gaze. “I won’t say anything,” she promised, though her heart raced at the thought of what would happen if she ever crossed him.

Once outside, she took a moment to collect her thoughts, her breath coming in shallow gasps. She couldn't shake the feeling of dread that clung to her. Anirudh was a powerful man, and she was now entangled in his dangerous game. The plan was clear, but it left a bitter taste in her mouth.