Arunima believed her future husband would be a kind-hearted man who would heal her broken heart. But the truth that emerged after the wedding shook her world. The man she considered her life partner was actually a ruthless mafia don, Astik Raichand.... Arunima believed her future husband would be a kind-hearted man who would heal her broken heart. But the truth that emerged after the wedding shook her world. The man she considered her life partner was actually a ruthless mafia don, Astik Raichand. This marriage was just a facade for Astik, which he had arranged to claim the mafia throne. But by the time Arunima started to appeal to him, it was too late. Will Arunima be able to endure Astik's tyranny and get away from him? To find out, read "Marriage With Beast."<br />
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I am Arunima Raichand, and this is my story.
It had been a year since my wedding, and I belonged to someone. "Until death do us part," my entire life had become someone's. This was now my reality. I was someone's wife. This was my duty, which I had to fulfill. But was I happy? No, I was not happy. I had no other choice. My parents wanted Dev and me to separate, and we were parted from each other before we could even be together.
Even though I was separated from Dev, my heart never left him.
You might think I’ve gone mad, but my heart never strayed from Dev. Although I knew he had never felt any emotions for me. He was happily married to his wife, Meera, and their children. I had also heard that two more children had been born in their family in just these two years. I was happy for him, but my heart also broke that Dev couldn’t be mine.
Do you all know why I love Dev? Because he knew how to love. He knew what love meant and how to cherish it. But alas, his feelings were not for me.
One year away from Dev and one year of marriage. Two years had passed. But I couldn’t fall in love with anyone else. My heart still beats for him. Although I know I am being foolish. He is a married man, and I am also married. In such a situation, even thinking about him is a sin for me.
By the way, I did not marry by my own will. But I had no other choice. I had accepted this marriage for my family, but I couldn't get Dev out of my heart. Knowing that he was married and living in Bengaluru with his wife. I spoke to him on the phone for the last time and…
Anyway, let it be. Let’s talk further…
My entire life changed in a single night because I was in an arranged marriage. My heart was filled with such bitterness that my own family had used me like a transaction. I hadn't even recovered from my memories with Dev when my family said they had arranged my marriage.
I didn't even know the man, but they said that this person had done a lot for my family and we were indebted to him. By the way, my parents were also indebted to me. They had adopted me from an orphanage. Although they had never told me about it, I once found adoption documents in Dad's library. Reading them, I realized I was their adopted daughter.
I thought that by marrying according to my family's wishes, I could repay their debt. My marriage was a profitable deal for them. I had seen my father dealing with the underworld and the mafia since childhood. My father had good relations with the mafia and people connected to them, so that people wouldn't attack our family. Besides, my father's business was also being saved.
The family into which I was married had only one wish: that their daughter-in-law be a simple and ordinary girl, who didn't seem too fake and didn't have many desires. Obviously, I met their expectations.
I thought that by getting married, I would step into a new life and forget my past. As my family had told me, my future husband was a good and noble person. On their trust, I married a stranger. But after marriage, I realized that all these things were just words. Far from being a good and noble person, my husband didn't even know how to behave with a girl. It was foolish to expect love from someone who couldn't treat girls properly.
At one point, I thought this step would pull me out of my broken heart, as I believed my husband would be a kind and understanding person. But later, I realized how far from the truth that was. My husband was neither soft-hearted, nor kind, nor did he know how to love.
I thought agreeing to the marriage meant accepting them. But slowly, I understood that he was a selfish and cold-hearted arrogant person who knew nothing beyond power, money, and physical pleasure.
And thus, my heart closed off to ever falling in love again. I felt like I was never meant for love. My husband always made it clear to me about my importance and my "value" in his life. I am merely a means to maintain his status. Meaning, I am his wife, but like a showpiece.
Although my husband didn't know how to love, he knew very well how to use the body. Or rather, it was his hobby. And this hobby of his, if not with me, would certainly be fulfilled with someone else. After my heart was broken for the first time, I didn't have the courage to love again. But seeing all this before me, I began to regret my fate. Perhaps love was never destined for me.
I was among those people for whom the word "love" was never meant. My husband always told me about my importance and my "value" in his life. Yes, I had value in his life when he was very stressed. He needed me at such times. I was merely a means to relieve his stress. This was my reality and the bitter truth of my married life.
Within a year, I had also gotten used to all of this. Now I had no complaints from anyone, nor any expectations. I, Arunima Raichand, am writing this last page of my diary. All these things, which I cannot tell anyone else, I pour them onto this paper to lighten some of the burden on my mind.
It's 12 o'clock at night, and today is my first wedding anniversary. But I hope tomorrow will not be anything special for me either. As always, my husband will again make me feel that I have no value in his life.
Mem, the boss has sent a message. He has asked you to get ready for tonight's party; he is coming to pick you up.
A servant delivers this news to Arunima. Arunima was sitting in the garden at the time, but she wasn't too surprised to hear the servant's words. She already knew this. Today is her wedding anniversary. This day might be special for other girls, but for Arunima, today was no special day. No happiness, no excitement. She was just thinking about how much longer she had to stay in this meaningless marriage.
Arunima said to herself, looking at the blooming flowers in front of her,
"Today marks exactly 1 year of my and Aastik's marriage. This day is special for every wife, but not for me. This marriage was just a compromise for me, which I am fulfilling to keep both families happy. I don't want to be in this marriage, and Aastik... he didn't want to be in this marriage from day one."
"Madam..."
The servant standing behind broke Arunima's concentration. Arunima quickly came out of her thoughts and gestured to the servant to leave. The servant left. After strolling in the garden for a while longer, Arunima prepared a beautiful bunch of flowers from the ones there and continued to walk in the garden with it. Arunima felt quite relieved in the cool breeze amidst the afternoon sun. But even at this moment, the same thoughts were running through her mind—thinking about where she had spent the last year and among whom she was, she said,
What is my fate! I am the daughter-in-law of the biggest underworld family in this city. The Raichand Family—people think a hundred times before even taking their name. I am the wife of the elder son of that family, Aastik Raichand, who is the sole owner of his family and company, as well as the mafia's black business across the country.
I had seen my father meeting with the underworld and the mafia since childhood. And for once, I had thought of getting to know this world up close. But the dream of stepping into this world was with Dev. Aastik was not even a shadow in my dreams. But look at my fate! Aastik is the King of the Mafia, and I am the Mafia's Lady Queen. But looking at me, no one would say I deserve this place or not.
1 year has passed, and my life hasn't changed. Aastik is as distant from me as ever. And as always, I know that he has no interest in the marriage, nor in me. Meaning, I didn't want to be in the marriage either. But still, I can expect a little bit of respect and dignity from Aastik. But he shattered this hope on the very first night of our marriage.
She recalls that on their wedding night, Aastik had told her: "Whether it's good or bad, you have to obey my every command."
And for the past 1 year, Arunima has been obeying his every command, like a puppet.
She had thought of separating from Aastik many times, but she had promised her father that she would see this marriage through. And because of his promise, she is still enduring this marriage. But in some corner of her heart, there is a hope that if she doesn't want to be in this marriage, then Aastik is also enduring it under compulsion. Why doesn't he ask for a divorce himself? If he asks for a divorce, I will happily separate from him. Nothing could be a bigger gift for me than that.
In the beginning, she thought Aastik would divorce her soon. But his intentions did not seem that way at all. She always wonders why, if he is not happy marrying her, he doesn't divorce her? But she never dared to ask him this question.
Lost in her thoughts, Arunima finally enters the bungalow with the bunch of flowers she made herself. As soon as she enters the house, two maids were already present. These are Arunima's personal maids—Rosie and Julie.
Julie is the same maid who came to the garden to inform Arunima about Aastik's message. And Rosie takes care of Arunima's every need. As soon as Arunima reaches the mansion, both maids stand before her with their heads bowed. Arunima knew why they were standing there after receiving Aastik's message. In fact, they were there to get Arunima ready so that she could go to her in-laws' house in the evening. The first anniversary party is there.
Arunima placed the bunch of flowers she made herself in a vase and looked at it lovingly. She had no other work apart from decorating and arranging the house.
As she climbed the stairs, the maids Julie and Rosie followed her. Reaching the upper floor, Arunima passed by Aastik's room. Yes, this was Aastik's room. Arunima and Aastik had never shared a room. Arunima had only her own room in the entire mansion, where she found peace. The rest of the house ran solely on Aastik's will.
As soon as Arunima reached her room, she saw a large gift box placed on her bed.
Rosie, coming towards Arunima, said, "Madam, I'll fill the bathtub with water for your bath." But Arunima's entire attention was on the gift box at this moment. She didn't even hear Rosie.
She slowly went near the box and started opening it. As soon as she opened the box, her eyes narrowed slightly. Because inside lay a chiffon saree with diamond work in black.
As soon as Arunima picked up the saree, Julie quickly said, "Madam, this is a very beautiful saree. You will look very beautiful in it."
The saree was indeed very beautiful. The diamond work done on it was of real diamonds. Aastik was very rich in terms of money, and his family was the richest family in the city. In such a case, giving a diamond saree to his wife was not a big deal. Arunima had many such expensive and designer clothes. Some were such that she gave them to the servants without even wearing them.
But after the saree, when Arunima picked up the blouse, her eyes widened, and a hint of anger appeared on her face. This blouse was a matching one for the saree, but it was backless. Or rather, it had just a string tied on the shoulder. And its neckline was so deep that the cleavage could be easily exposed.
Arunima was getting angry, but she controlled her anger. However, her body was trembling with anger.
Rosie had also come out of the washroom by then and stood next to Julie. Arunima said, holding the blouse tightly, "You both go out of the room."
"But Madam, we need to get you ready..." Julie had barely said this when Arunima shouted in a loud voice, "I said, get out!"
They both left the room with their heads bowed. Arunima was holding the blouse very tightly in her hand. If it were up to her, she would have torn this blouse to pieces at that moment. She felt as if it was an insult to her. Her entire life had been controlled. She was never even asked what to wear and how to wear it. Aastik never respected her, nor did he try to know her wishes. He always imposed his orders on Arunima.
Arunima felt like crying, but she couldn't. Because she had to get ready at this moment. Aastik was due to arrive home in half an hour, and she had to be ready before he arrived. Aastik had already informed that he was coming. In such a case, if Arunima was not ready, Aastik would be very angry. For this reason, she didn't want to waste time. She quickly picked up the saree and blouse and went into the bathroom.
Rosie had already made all the arrangements for the bath. Hence, it didn't take Arunima much time. When Arunima came out after bathing in just the blouse and body shaper, Rosie and Julie had also returned to the room to get Arunima ready for tonight's party.
Slowly, Arunima wore the saree. Rosie was doing her hair, and Julie was fixing the pleats of her saree.
After everything was ready, Julie took out a diamond set from a small box kept near the big box. This set perfectly matched Arunima's saree. Julie wore the diamond necklace around Arunima's neck, and Rosie put diamond earrings in her ears. After this, Arunima picked up the sindoor box from the dressing table. Her hands were trembling, and her eyes were fixed on the sindoor.
Every time she filled her parting, her heart would beat fast. Although, Aastik never paid attention to her adornments. Whether she applied sindoor, wore a mangalsutra or not, wore bangles or not, Aastik never looked at her closely. But today, as she had to go out in front of everyone, this was necessary. Otherwise, alone, Arunima would never use sindoor or any other symbol of a married woman.
After thinking for a long time and mustering courage, Arunima finally picked up a pinch of sindoor and filled her parting. It felt as if her incomplete adornment was completed with the sindoor. Although Arunima was extremely beautiful, her beauty increased even more with a pinch of sindoor. But she was feeling the incomplete truth behind this beauty.
Julie straightened her hair with a pressing machine, and Rosie was putting heels on her feet. Arunima looked at herself in the mirror. She looked perfect, exactly as the daughter-in-law of the Raichand family should look.
Arunima was engrossed in looking at herself when the sound of a car reached her ears. Her entire body tensed. She knew whose car it was. The sound of the car honking three times was heard inside the bungalow. This was not the first time. Every time she received a signal like this that Aastik's car had arrived.
Aastik's car had entered the bungalow. The driver, Tiwari, had signaled Arunima by honking three times. Tiwari ji was quite old and had been working for Aastik for years. Arunima's nature was different from others. When she first called Tiwari ji 'Bhaiya,' he thought she was different from other rich girls. Perhaps that's why he started honking the car's horn to signal her.
As Aastik arrived, the atmosphere of the entire bungalow suddenly became tense. Arunima immediately sent Julie and Rosie out of the room. Then she straightened the bedsheet and arranged the flowers. She put her phone in her bag and looked at herself in the mirror once more. When she felt she looked perfect, she started waiting.
Evening had arrived. The sun was setting from the window, and night was slowly spreading. Her life had been like this for the past year.
Arunima stood nervously by the bed when there was a knock on the door. She took a deep breath. A servant opened the door and said, "Madam, you are being called downstairs."
The frightened Arunima composed herself and took a step forward. She thought, "This is the moment I have been waiting for." Like an ideal wife, she presented herself and left the room.
Reaching the stairs, Arunima lowered her face. She didn't have the courage to look towards the hall. But when she slightly lifted her head, she saw Aastik standing near the sofa. He was the same man who had never cared about Arunima. Arunima was thinking, "Why did he agree to marry me? My reason for marrying him was my parents. But he had no such reason. Still, why did he marry me?"
Arunima slowly started walking towards Aastik. Aastik was wearing a black business suit. Even from behind, his personality looked extremely charming. As soon as Arunima reached him, Aastik turned and looked at her. Their eyes met.
Arunima's face was beautiful and radiant, but Aastik's face had no smile or expression. As always, his face was expressionless. Arunima remembered that she had seen Aastik smile only once, and that was on the wedding day. Even then, that smile was only for relatives and the media. After the wedding, she had never seen Aastik smile.
Aastik looked at his watch and then at Arunima. His brown eyes were fixed on Arunima. In the black suit, he looked no less than a black devil. With a broad chest, biceps, and a perfect physique, his personality was incredibly attractive. But Arunima's perfection never made her feel a sense of belonging.
As soon as Aastik saw Arunima, no smile or reaction appeared on his face. His face was completely expressionless.
His face was not always like this. Arunima had seen Aastik smile, only on the wedding day. That too, just a little, and Arunima felt that smile was only for relatives, family, and the media, so that everyone would think he was happy with the marriage. Otherwise, from then until today, let alone smiling, he hadn't even moved the corners of his lips by mistake.
Arunima saw him; he had already arrived dressed. Meaning he hadn't come home to get ready. Well, this was nothing new. Aastik would come home for work, as he mostly lived in his other house. But Arunima knew that he was not alone in that other house.
Arunima tried to ignore it as much as she could, but it was a matter of concern in a corner of her heart that Astik did not live with her in this house. He lived in his other house… and with someone else.
Astik and Arunima had come out of the bungalow and reached the car, where the driver was already waiting for them. Astik himself opened his side of the door and sat inside and said to the driver, "Let's go Tiwari, we are getting late."
Driver Tiwari quickly put on his cap and, saying "Yes boss," moved towards the car. For Arunima, this was just like a signal. She was quietly following behind him. As soon as she reached the car, Tiwari opened the door on the other side for her. Before getting into the car, she softly said, "Thank you."
As soon as Arunima sat in the car, she saw that Astik was busy with his phone. Before the call came, he was messaging someone. But as soon as the phone rang, he picked up the call and put it to his ear. Something was said from the other side, upon hearing which Astik's forehead furrowed.
"Kill that reporter. How dare he interfere in my work? Don't you understand what I say once, or do I need to explain it again?" he said angrily. "I will not tolerate losses in my project because of that cheap reporter. Get him out of the way."
Something was said from the front, and Astik shouted angrily, "Kill the fa**ng bastard!"
In anger, he threw the phone in the corner of the car, which directly hit Arunima's leg. Arunima was already scared by Astik's shouting. When the phone hit her leg, she lightly suppressed the pain under her lips. Astik looked at Arunima in anger, but Arunima did not move an inch from her place nor did she turn her face towards him. Astik started looking out the window. Anyway, he had no concern about Arunima's injury.
Arunima slowly brought her hand near her legs and started rubbing her ankle lightly. She saw that Astik's phone was lying near her feet. She slowly picked up the phone and handed it to Astik. Astik looked at Arunima with sharp eyes, but without saying anything, he snatched the phone from Arunima's hand. His cold gaze was so dangerous that Arunima's soul trembled.
Arunima was so scared that she felt Astik would harm her in his anger. Although he had never hurt Arunima before, what had never happened before was not necessarily not going to happen in the future. Everything has a beginning sometime or the other.
After throwing the phone, Astik angrily hit the front seat hard, causing a slight scratch on his hand. Arunima gently took out a handkerchief with a floral design from her purse and offered it to Astik. Astik fixed his dangerous gaze on Arunima.
He grabbed Arunima's wrist and, staring angrily, said, "Don't you understand that I am angry? Why are you bothering me? I don't need your help."
"I… just…" Arunima was trying to say something in her trembling voice. But Astik shook her wrist and, pointing a finger at her angrily, said, "Don't try to do anything. Understand? No need to act too smart in front of me. You are my wife only for the world. Don't even try to claim any right over me. We both know this marriage is just a show. Neither do I want to stay in this marriage, nor do you. But neither of us can end it."
Astik's words silenced Arunima completely. His words made Arunima realize that her feelings had no importance. Today was perhaps the bitterest day for Arunima. Astik was a monster before, and he is still a beast.
Astik flared up in anger and said, "You are my wife in front of the world and my family, because they are the ones who got you married to me. But for me, you are just a useless piece of junk lying in my house. You hold no more importance in my life than that, understand Arunima?"
Astik's words broke her from within. The realization that she was just a burden to him gnawed at Arunima. But Astik always made sure to remind her that she was nothing more than useless junk in his house. Arunima's heart grew heavy, and tears welled up in her eyes, which she tried hard to hold back.
She had seen Astik shout in anger many times. Astik always tried to stay away from Arunima as much as possible. From the second day of their marriage, Astik had no relation with Arunima. If looks could kill, perhaps Astik would have killed Arunima many times by now. Those dangerous, hate-filled eyes of his were burning Arunima from the inside.
Arunima's heart wanted to scream, but then she remembered the words of Astik's mother. When she had taken Arunima's hands in hers during the "Muh Dikhai" ceremony and said why she had chosen Arunima for Astik. At that time, she had made a promise to Arunima. But today, Arunima felt that she would never be able to fulfill her promise because the person standing in front of her was not human but a beast. Who is impossible to change.
In the first year of their marriage, Arunima didn't know much about Astik. He hardly came home five times in the whole year. Mostly he stayed in the office, was busy with his illegal activities, or spent time in his other house. Their worlds were completely different. They never sat together and had dinner like normal couples, nor did they consult each other on anything. Arunima was still surprised why Astik was with her.
Astik's anger was still dominant over the lost-in-thought Arunima. He flared up and said, "Keep it well in your small mind. When I am angry, don't you dare come in front of me. I am already troubled by my deal, and on top of that, that stupid reporter has messed with my mind. And here you are, who never misses an opportunity to bother me. Just lie down quietly in that corner of the car. I shouldn't even feel your presence. Understand?"
Arunima nodded in fear, so Astik turned his face away from her and started looking towards the window. A deep silence fell on the back seat of the car.
It took them about half an hour to reach Rai Chand Mansion. This mansion was on the outskirts of the city. Arunima had only come to this mansion for her reception party after her marriage. That was the last time she saw her parents, as they shifted to Bangalore afterward.
As soon as the car reached the mansion's gate, Astik got out of the car and went straight inside. He did not wait for Arunima to get out of the car, nor did he bother to walk with her. Arunima took a deep breath and slowly stood near the car. All of this was just a formality for her.
Everything was going to happen as always. Just a few hours to tolerate each other at this party. After that, Arunima would go back to her bungalow, and Astik to his other house. When they would meet again, perhaps neither of them knew. It would continue as it had for the past year.
Arunima was not allowed to work. This was not because she lacked capability, but because no one understood her capability. Astik had given her a golden card. He believed that girls were not meant to work.
Arunima had once shown Astik her file, in which she had researched history. But Astik immediately rejected it and compared it to children's nursery homework, mocking her.
Arunima was standing at the party entrance. Astik had gone inside alone, and Arunima was still standing there. Many thoughts were running through her mind. Just then, a hand extended towards her. She was startled and looked up. Astik was standing in front of her. He slowly folded his hand and extended his arm towards Arunima, gesturing. Arunima understood his gesture and slowly slipped her arm into Astik's arm. They stood like a perfect couple.
But before entering the party hall, Astik looked at Arunima and said, "You know what I need to do, right?"
Arunima slowly looked at Astik and nodded her head. Astik looked at her sharply and said, "If you know, then smile. You are beautiful. If you smile, this worry on your face will not be visible to people. So behave like a good wife and come to the party with me with a smile."
Astik's words pricked Arunima's heart. She slowly pursed her lips and forced a fake smile onto her face.
Astik and Arunima entered the party. But as they reached the door, Astik heard a voice from behind.
"Astik, you've arrived. We were waiting for you."
Astik turned his face. Arunima also looked towards this voice. An elderly couple stood in front of them. There was a smile on their faces. Arunima also put on a fake smile.
Astik recognized them and extended his hand towards them. The couple also came up to Astik by then. The man shook hands with Astik and said, "How are you? And a very happy first wedding anniversary."
The wife, standing with the man, also said, looking at Astik and Arunima, "Happy first wedding anniversary to both of you."
Both Astik and Arunima had a formal smile on their faces. Astik said "Thank you" with a smile, and Arunima also nodded slowly. These were Astik's father's business partners, Mr. and Mrs. Jarivala.
After meeting them, Astik and Arunima enter the hall, where everyone was present for the party. As Arunima moved further into the party, her nervousness also increased. In fact, Arunima did not like to mingle much with people. Her nervousness would increase when she became the center of attraction at a party. She did not like people's eyes on her.
The party hall was beautifully decorated. With lights, chandeliers, and bright candles, this party was given a grand look.
Astik and Arunima had entered the party hall, and whoever saw them was congratulating them on their anniversary.
Despite being fully engaged in the party, the same artificial smiles were plastered on Arunima's and Aastik's faces. They were just going through the motions. As they mingled with the guests, Arunima waved at everyone, and they applauded in response. Aastik also greeted everyone with a wave, and they cheered for him. That's when Arunima spotted Aastik's parents, Mr. Pushkar Raychand and his wife, Neha Raychand.
Mr. Pushkar Raychand was dressed in a beautiful safari suit, while Neha wore a Banarasi saree with heavy gold jewelry. Despite being old enough to be a grandmother, Neha's face radiated a glow and vibrancy that made her appear much younger.
Aastik and Arunima approached Pushkar and Neha. Aastik hugged his father and mother, while Arunima bowed down to touch their feet. Pushkar placed his hand on her head and said, "What's all this? No need for such formalities."
Pushkar's demeanor was a bit stern, but it was his usual way with everyone. However, he was softer with Aastik. Arunima wasn't offended by the comments people made about Aastik's arrogance coming from his father; she simply smiled and nodded.
Neha smiled and approached Arunima, hugging her and saying, "Congratulations, my dear. I hope your first anniversary with Aastik brings you both lots of happiness."
Arunima smiled back at Neha. As they stood together, Pushkar and Aastik moved aside, engaged in conversation. Neha held Arunima's hand and said, "Thank you, child. I'm so happy you finally kept your promise. I knew you were the right person for my son. Thank you for making my son's life beautiful."
Neha's words were filled with happiness, but Arunima's smile was equally fake. She wanted to reveal the truth to Neha, but she knew it would break her heart and shatter the trust she had placed in Arunima.
Arunima's life had become like a princess's, trapped in a palace with all luxuries but no freedom. A year had passed since her "marriage," and she had endured this captivity. She had no idea how much longer it would continue.
"Is Aastik treating you well?" Neha asked Arunima. Arunima's smile wavered, but she remained silent. Before she could respond, Aastik's cold hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her close.
"Mom, are you instigating my wife against me? That's amazing. I thought after marriage, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law usually didn't get along, but here it's the opposite. What do you want? Do you want my wife and me to fight after we leave here?" Aastik said with a slightly aggressive tone.
Neha quickly responded, "No, Aastik, nothing like that. You're misinterpreting. I just wanted to know if you and Arunima are happy together."
"Yes, Mom, we're very happy. Why, do you have any doubts?" Aastik asked, pulling Arunima closer.
Arunima forced a smile and said, "Yes, Mom, don't worry. We're both very happy."
Neha was satisfied and nodded. Aastik released Arunima from his grasp and walked away to join his father, who was discussing business with some partners.
Later, Neha introduced Arunima to some other women from their society. Arunima wasn't interested in meeting them and was just going through the motions.
That's when she heard the sound of glass and turned to see Bela standing there, wearing a shiny one-piece dress and holding a glass of wine. Bela had everyone's attention, and she smiled as she climbed onto a chair and raised her glass.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please give your attention! As you all know, tonight is a special night for our family. It's the first anniversary of my brother Aastik Raychand's marriage. Let's make this night even more beautiful!" Bela exclaimed.
The guests cheered and raised their glasses in a toast to Aastik. Aastik smiled and reciprocated, raising his own glass.
The world of pretenses and facades. Some people's smiles at the party were genuine, while others wore fake masks. Arunima could see through their emotions. The Raychand family was no exception when it came to pretenses.
Bela's expensive outfit and behavior were on full display. She was putting on a show for everyone. Arunima had a feeling about Bela; she seemed to have a cunning and poisonous nature.
Bela was not Neha's biological daughter but Aastik's step-sister. Mr. Pushkar Raychand had had an affair with Malini, Neha's best friend. Malini had given birth to Bela and her brother Chetan.
The complicated history of the Raychand family began with Pushkar's infidelity and Malini's deceit. Neha had been betrayed, and her life had been shattered. Despite everything, she had taken in Malini's children and raised them as her own.
The complex web of relationships and deceit had only just begun to unravel. As Arunima navigated this world, she realized that nothing was as it seemed.
"Congratulations, Bhabhi..."
Arunima turned around startled at the voice. A smile bloomed on her face. It was Astik's cousin, and in a distant relation, his sister. Her name was Aabha. Currently, after Neha Ji, Aabha was the only one Arunima could talk to with a slight smile. Kushal, Aabha's parents had passed away earlier, which is why Neha Ji had brought her to live with them. Now, though Aabha was an independent girl, she was interning at Astik's company and currently lived in a PG with her friends. Aabha and Astik had asked her to come and live with them, but Aabha had said that living in a PG was closer to the office.
Aabha was the one who had enjoyed Astik and Arunima's wedding the most openly, dancing at the forefront of her brother's procession.
Seeing Aabha in front of her, Arunima became happy and said with a smile, "Aabha, where were you? You're arriving now? Do you know how much I missed you? You don't even come home to see me."
Aabha took Arunima's hand, led her to the side table, and said, "Oh, sorry Bhabhi. You know, I'm doing my internship at Bhai's office. Bhai is very good with food, but he's a bit strict and grumpy. As his sister, I can keep him happy, but as an employee of his company, I have to get my work done on time. That's why I don't stay at home and have shifted to a PG. As for coming home to see you, why are you worried? Just a few more months, and my internship will be over. After that, I'll take a long vacation. Then you'll see, I'll have you pamper me a lot. You'll see all the tantrums of your younger sister-in-law."
Aabha said, bursting into laughter. A smile also appeared on Arunima's face. She glanced at Bela, who seemed to be showing off amongst the men. With a slight smile, she said, "I can still handle your tantrums. It's good that Bela isn't in your place, otherwise, her tantrums and horror attitude would be beyond me."
The whole house was aware of Bela's attitude. Aabha glanced at Bela and then asked Arunima, "What's the scene?"
Arunima replied with a slight smile, "No scene. Bela just congratulated your brother on his wedding anniversary a moment ago."
"That's it? Isn't it your anniversary too, Bhai? She didn't congratulate you?" Aabha asked in surprise. Arunima shrugged and said, "I don't know. Maybe for her, it's only your brother's anniversary. You can go and ask yourself."
Aabha got up angrily and rubbing one finger on her nose, said, "I'll ask now. Is Bhai celebrating his anniversary alone at the party?" Saying this, Aabha stomped her foot and left. Arunima watched her go with a smile.
Actually, Arunima had no interest in anyone at this party. She knew Astik and his family with great difficulty. Here, she didn't even recognize faces properly. The people she had met after the wedding were familiar to her. Everyone else seemed completely unknown. Arunima was already feeling uncomfortable amidst so many pretentious faces. She picked up a glass of orange juice from the table and started drinking it. She had no interest in mingling or socializing at the party.
Aabha was stopped by Neha Ji on the way and taken to meet her friend's son. It was because of all these complications that Aabha didn't come home. Astik was standing with one of his business partners, a glass of drink in his hand. His business partner left, and just as Astik was about to leave, Bela appeared before him. Waving her champagne glass in front of him, she said, "Congratulations, Bhai! You've taken another step towards your victory."
Astik smiled, clinked his glass with hers, and said, "Thanks, Sister. By the way, congratulations to you too. After all, you also benefit from all this."
A poisonous serpent and a chameleon wolf – both siblings were giving each other a run for their money. A cunning smile and deceit flickered on both their faces.
Just then, their attention turned towards Pushkar Ji, who was talking with his mafia group. Bela waved her drink glass in the air and said, "I heard, Dad is going to announce his retirement today. Perhaps he will hand over his chair to you today."
Astik had just raised his drink when his hand stopped. He looked at Bela in surprise and said, "What? What are you saying? How do you know Dad is going to announce his retirement today and leave his underworld post?"
Bela laughed and said, "Seriously, Bhai? You think after listening to so many people and facing so many sharp glances, I can stay here and not find out this little thing? What do you think, why is your and your wife's anniversary party being held here? Why not at the farmhouse? Because Dad is announcing his retirement today. Do you see that mafia table? The file placed there is his retirement file. Separate files are prepared for all seven positions so that he can hand over your position to you. And once you get it, you can also be free from your boring wife if you wish."
Hearing Bela's words, a devilish smile appeared on Astik's face, and his gaze was fixed only on Pushkar Ji. Happily finishing his drink, Astik placed it on the table and looking at Bela with joy, said, "Bela, if this is true, then tonight will be the last night of this anniversary and my relationship with that village girl, Arunima. I had the divorce papers prepared right after the wedding, just waiting for the right time. Once I get the position that is mine, the first thing I will do is throw Arunima out of my life."
A sly smile also appeared on Bela's face. She widened one eye and tried to convey something to her brother with gestures. Astik happily patted Bela's shoulder and said, "Don't worry, I remember my promise well. Your share of the property and your own fashion house in London."
Hearing Astik's words, a venomous smile also appeared on Bela's face. She nodded her head in agreement, and both siblings looked at Pushkar Ji with their drinks, who was engaged in a deep discussion with the mafia organization.
As always, Arunima was sitting comfortably in her chair. The party was boring her. Just then, her phone vibrated. She saw a message from her mother, congratulating her on her anniversary. Arunima took a deep breath and thought, why did Mom message at night? Why didn't she call? Sometimes she felt like her parents had become distant from her after her marriage. Their responsibilities were over after the wedding, but Arunima realized that her parents had done a lot for her. Replying "Thank you" to her mother's message, Arunima put her phone down on the table.
"Your husband has left you alone again... Very bad."
Arunima was startled by the voice. She raised her face and saw Chetan standing there. He pulled up a chair next to Arunima and sat beside her. He looked at Arunima with a smile, but Arunima only felt annoyed seeing him. Keeping herself calm, she decided not to react and thought of leaving from there.
"Your husband always leaves you alone. To be honest, look, this party is in your name, and you're sitting here alone," Chetan said. The smell of alcohol wafted from his mouth, and Arunima, turning her face away, said, "You've been drinking."
Chetan started laughing and said, "No, just two or three shots of tequila to celebrate my brother's anniversary. Anyway, I'm used to alcohol. Just as it doesn't affect your husband, it doesn't affect me either."
Arunima stood up from there and taking her bag, said, "The party isn't over yet, you can go and drink more. Because I have no problem with my husband drinking, nor with you drinking."
Saying this, she started to leave, when Chetan grabbed her wrist. Arunima's eyes turned red with anger, and she glared at Chetan. Chetan, with a crooked smile, said, "Why the rush to leave? We've just started talking."
Arunima tried to pull her wrist free from his grip and said angrily, "Chetan, let go of my hand. I don't want to create a scene here."
Although Arunima's tone was calm, it contained a warning. Ignoring her words, Chetan tightened his grip on her wrist. Just then, a large and strong hand came upon Chetan's wrist and with a jerk, freed Arunima's wrist.
When Arunima's gaze fell on that hand, she recognized it immediately. On the palm of that hand was a red heart, beautifully inscribed with "A". She didn't take long to recognize that it was Astik's hand.
Astik came and stood between them and looking at Chetan with angry eyes, said, "How dare you? How dare you touch my wife?"
Hearing Astik's words, Arunima was surprised and stunned looking at him.
No response from Groq.
No response from Groq.
No response from Groq.
No response from Groq.
No response from Groq.
Amayra and Aastik walked out of the apartment together and entered the parking area. They had never felt the need to hide themselves here. Every person who came and went looked at them, even knew they lived together. But no one dared to say anything about them. Some people even knew that these two lived together. They also recognized Aastik well. If anyone dared to speak against Aastik, that person would be found six feet under the ground the next morning.
Upon reaching the parking lot, Aastik and Amayra went their separate ways. Amayra walked towards her car, while Tiwari Ji was already waiting with Aastik's car. Before parting from Amayra, Aastik pulled her into his arms and kissed her cheeks.
"We'll meet soon," Aastik said, looking into her eyes.
Amayra, wrapping her arms around his neck, smiled and replied, "Absolutely, we'll meet soon. I'm waiting for the day when we'll be together forever. But for now, I have to go. My husband is back, and if he doesn't find me at home, he'll ask questions. And you know what he'll do to me."
Aastik's face hardened with anger, but Amayra could feel his rage. She placed her hands on Aastik's cheeks and said, "Aastik, calm down. You know we have to be restrained at this time."
Aastik smiled, held her hands, and kissed her fingers, saying, "Absolutely, sweetheart. Trust me. I will take you away from him one day."
Aastik and Amayra got into their respective cars, and their cars drove off in opposite directions. Aastik was heading towards his house, while Amayra was heading towards her villa.
Evening
Aastik and Arunima attended the party together. Aastik knew that Arunima would put on a good act at the party. The party was proceeding exactly as Aastik had envisioned. No one suspected their relationship. They just had to tolerate each other at this party. After this, everything would go back to normal.
Aastik was confident that Pushkar Ji would announce his retirement tonight. But the announcement that followed his retirement was something no one had imagined.
Aastik couldn't control his anger, and Arunima left the party and went to the garden. But Aastik was still sitting in the library, thinking about everything. He wanted to get out of all this as soon as possible. But the more he tried to get out, the more this world entangled him. First, this sham marriage, and then today's party where she demanded an heir—none of this was part of his plan.
Aastik was troubled thinking about all this. But on Neha Ji's advice, he controlled himself a little. Finishing his drink, he relaxed himself and rejoined the party.
On the other hand
Arunima was sitting alone in the garden of the party. In the party hall, when Pushkar Ji mentioned her and Aastik's heir, Arunima was stunned. Her face turned red, and her mind went blank. The sound of applause surrounded her, but it gradually faded. Arunima's mind had become so empty that no sound was reaching her ears anymore.
Arunima suddenly felt suffocated. Her body seemed unwilling to stay there. It felt as if she couldn't breathe in her chest.
Taking slow steps back, she left the party hall and went into the garden area. Some people tried to stop her on the way, but Arunima silently walked away without looking at anyone.
At this moment, Arunima was sitting alone in the garden. Her gaze was towards the sky. She slowly raised her hand and placed it on her stomach. Suddenly, her whole body was filled with a jolt. Looking at her stomach, she said, "How is this possible? A child? How can I have a child? This is impossible."
Arunima was lost in her own thoughts. Then she thought of Aastik. She didn't care if anyone was looking for her at the party at this moment. But she knew very well that Aastik wouldn't have liked the news of a child. He couldn't even stand to be with Arunima, let alone plan a family.
Neither of them was happy in their marriage. Both were just pretending to be with each other. In such a situation, accepting each other and thinking about a child was impossible for both of them.
Trembling, Arunima started searching for her phone. Lost in the hazy memories of the flashback, she took out her phone and dialed her mother's number. The phone kept ringing, but no one picked up. Tears started flowing from Arunima's eyes. She needed her mother the most at this moment. She wanted to talk to them.
The phone rang for the fourth consecutive time, but still, no one answered. Angrily, she threw the phone on the garden grass. She was crying like a madwoman and looking around. There was light in the garden, but no human. In this loneliness, she felt even more alone and helpless.
Who was there for her? She was truly alone. Her parents had never spoken to her properly after marriage, nor had they come to meet her. Aastik had taken her to another house and left her as if she were mere decoration. What could she expect from the Raichand family? If her own husband didn't care about her, who would?
Arunima had nothing, really. She was completely alone.
Suddenly, her chest felt heavy. A sharp pain started in her heart. Crying, she placed her hand on her chest and stroked it. She couldn't bear this pain. After all, how could anyone expect a child from her? Yes, she and Aastik were married, they were husband and wife in the eyes of the world. In such a situation, if the family expected children from them, there was nothing wrong with it.
But she didn't want to reveal the truth of her marriage to the world. And this was only because Aastik wanted the truth of their marriage to remain a secret.
She knew Aastik well enough that even if he wanted a child, it wouldn't be from Arunima. Because Aastik had never even touched Arunima. Becoming pregnant without being touched? Arunima wasn't a sorceress.
Arunima already knew that Aastik had another woman in his life. And if he wanted a child, it would probably be from that other woman, not from Arunima.
Aastik wanted to get out of this marriage, and so did Arunima. But fate had something else written for them. They had to endure this poisonous marriage for longer.
Arunima was still sitting on the garden bench. Her tears had dried, but the pain was still on her face. She had been sitting there for almost an hour, looking at the stars. Then she felt a rustle behind her.
Turning around, she saw a girl in a waiter's uniform standing and looking at her.
"Madam, your husband has sent me to call you."
Arunima heard the girl's words but wasn't particularly surprised. If Aastik was calling her back to the party, it meant the party wasn't over yet. And both of them were the central attraction of today's party.
"You go, I'm coming," Arunima said to the girl.
The girl replied, "Madam, he told me to bring you along. In fact, he's calling you to his room."
Hearing the girl's words, Arunima's eyes narrowed. She asked in surprise, "What? Aastik is calling me to his room? Did you hear correctly?"
The girl quickly nodded and said, "Yes, Madam, he said he wants to meet you in his room. And he's also a little angry. Please, Madam, hurry."
After saying this, the girl stepped back a little. Arunima looked at her in surprise and then said, "Okay, you go, I'm coming."
The girl nodded and walked back towards the party. Arunima thought for a moment and then thought, maybe Aastik wants to talk about today's announcement alone. Maybe he had thought of something about how to get out of this problem. So she got up and, exhaling deeply, started walking towards the mansion. She headed straight to Aastik's room.
Arunima's hands were sweaty. She was thinking about what decision Aastik would have made regarding this. It all depended entirely on him. According to the announcement her father had made, this could only be a dream for both of them. Neither Aastik accepted this, nor was Arunima willing to accept it.
Arunima was thinking just this as she walked down the gallery. But as she entered Aastik's room once again, she was astonished. The room was completely plunged in darkness.
Arunima was surprised. She had come into the room just an hour ago, and there was nothing like this then. But why was it so dark in this room now? Thinking this, Arunima reached her hand towards the switchboard. As soon as her fingers touched the switchboard behind the door, she suddenly felt a grip on her arm. She was startled, and before she could react, she felt a cloth on her nose. Along with it, a strong odor took over her mind.
Someone had applied chloroform to Arunima's nose and made her unconscious. And in no time, Arunima fell unconscious and collapsed.
Aastik had returned to the party, but at this moment, his gaze was only on Pushkar Ji, who was still standing with his mafia group. This time they seemed quite happy. As happy as they looked, Aastik felt even more hatred. He clenched his fists and, looking at his father in anger, said to himself,
"Once again, you've won, Dad. But Aastik Raichand is not someone to be played with. You have controlled my life too much. From now on, I will make my own decisions."
The corners of Aastik's lips curled slightly, and the scene of his father's most painful demise flashed in his eyes, which he envisioned coming true in the future.
Neha Ji came to Aastik and asked, "Where is Arunima?"
Aastik smiled with a venomous grin and replied, "Don't worry, Mom, I haven't killed her. I mean, not yet. I can't say about the future. For now, I don't know where she is."
Hearing Aastik's words, Neha Ji glared at him and said, "Control your emotions for now. Don't let things get out of hand."
Neha Ji glared at Aastik angrily. But then they heard some people whispering around them. Aastik and Neha Ji saw that people were looking at them and talking in low voices.
Aastik looked at them all angrily. Then his gaze fell on the projector. And what he saw made the veins on his forehead throb, and his eyes hardened. His nose flared with anger because a video was playing on the projector.
Aastik's body trembled with anger. His fists had given up. He took out the pistol from his waist and unlocked it. Angrily, looking at the projector, he said,
"This girl will regret her life today. How dare she tarnish my image? No one has the guts to throw mud at me. But this girl made that mistake today. Today, she dies."
In anger, Aastik kicked the table hard, and the anniversary cake in front of it fell to the ground the next moment, licking the dust. Aastik didn't care about anyone. Before anyone could say anything to him, he left.
No response from Groq.
"In that case, we shouldn't trust your wife either. I don't think my brother would want an heir from a disreputable woman. Arunnima has tarnished the name and reputation of the Rai Chand family. And after that, who knows if even if she gets pregnant, it will be your child or not. It could be someone else's..."
"Control your tongue, Aunty ji. Lest, if not for Arunnima, then for judging my wife's character, I end up spilling the blood of a family member with my own hands."
Astik said this to his aunt in an angry tone. At that moment, no one else was in front of him but Astik's aunt. This aunt was related to Chetan and Bela as their maternal aunt. She was a distant relative of Bela's mother. After her sister's death, she married Astik's uncle to take care of her sister's children. However, a few years after the marriage, Astik's uncle passed away from a heart attack.
This lady's name was Khushboo Rai Chand. She was Astik's aunt and Chetan and Bela's maternal aunt. Khushboo ji had no children of her own. She had always focused all her attention on raising Chetan and Bela. She only added fuel to the fire in this house, which is why she mostly stayed away from home. She always felt that Chetan and Bela did not receive the rights they deserved. Hence, she always stood up for their rights.
She was the only one against Astik and Arunnima's marriage. And she never missed an opportunity to taunt Astik or any member of his family. Everyone was aware of her bitter behavior, so no one wanted to get into an argument with her.
Khushboo Masi came to Bela in anger and stared at Bela, signaling Masi to remain silent with her eyes. But Khushboo Masi wasn't one to back down. Folding her arms, she said, "Why are you silencing me? I'm just stating the truth. I never liked that girl as the daughter-in-law of this house from the beginning. But I don't know why everyone was so obsessed that they made her the daughter-in-law. Now look what she has done! She has reduced this house's honor and reputation to dust in a single minute."
"You don't need to worry about Arunnima, Aunty ji. I'm here for her. And whether my wife gives an heir to this house or not, that decision should be between me and my wife. After all, who else can you hope for an heir from this house?"
Astik said this to Khushboo Masi, taunting her. His face had hardened with anger. She was staring at Astik and said to him in anger, "My brother will never agree to this. Your wife is a disreputable girl, and footage of her dalliances is playing in front of everyone. The respect your family has earned in society over the years, your wife has lost it all. And my brother will be very angry about this. See, he will never expect your wife to provide an heir to this house."
"If anyone will carry forward this family's lineage, it will be my daughter-in-law, Arunnima Astik Rai Chand..." This voice was Pushkar ji's, which echoed in the corridor. Hearing his stern voice, everyone looked back, where Pushkar ji and Neha ji were coming together. Seeing Neha ji, hatred was evident in Khushboo Masi's eyes. She had hated this woman from the beginning. But at this time, Neha ji was in power, so she couldn't do anything.
Pushkar ji arrived there and began to look at everyone with his piercing gaze.
"What are you saying, brother? After the footage playing outside, how can you expect Arunnima to give an heir to our house? If this is a joke, then it's a very cheap one," Masi ji said, looking at both of them with hatred.
But the power in Pushkar ji's voice was enough to calm the atmosphere. He looked at Khushboo Masi with a stern gaze and said, "Do you think I would joke about the next generation of my family?"
"But brother, how can you expect an heir from Arunnima? Didn't you see, in what state was that girl with some other man in Astik's room?"
Masi was unwilling to accept anything and was accusing Arunnima. But Pushkar ji banged his cane loudly on the ground. After that, no one dared to say anything. Although Astik's face was angry, he also kept quiet in front of his father. Bela had become silent as soon as Pushkar ji arrived.
"Yes, I saw the video. What everyone saw. But didn't you see that Arunnima was drugged? She was not conscious. This was clearly visible in that video. Do you think, Khushboo, I am a fool? I didn't build such a big company, such a large property, and the mafia business by playing Antakshari? I can recognize a person by looking at them. I know very well how many snakes and how many pythons are sitting in my own house. But if I start exposing everyone's truth, the Rai Chand family will fall apart in a day. Therefore, if I have to remain silent to save relationships, what's wrong with that?
"And as for Arunnima, I am not so foolish as to marry Astik to any random girl. I know Arunnima very well. She is as innocent and naive as she is intelligent. She would not do such a foolish act herself. It was clearly visible in the video that she was drugged. Arunnima has never even touched alcohol. Everyone knows this."
Pushkar ji said this, shutting everyone up. But Khushboo Masi was still not at peace. She looked at Pushkar ji with a stern gaze and said, "But brother, only you believe it. That's why you are taking such a big risk. What guarantee is there that the girl is right to carry forward your lineage or not? And what guarantee is there that if she gets pregnant, this child will be Astik's?"
Neha ji was getting angry now. As much as she had controlled her anger, Khushboo Masi was hell-bent on bringing it out. Looking at Khushboo Masi angrily, she said, "Enough, Khushboo! Shut your mouth. We invited you here to share our happiness, but you have come here and are accusing our daughter-in-law."
"I'm not accusing, sister-in-law. I'm asking questions. Because this house is mine too, and I have as much right on this house as anyone else. I am not just Chetan and Bela's maternal aunt, but also your younger brother's wife. I am the daughter-in-law of the Rai Chand family. And from this right, I say, how can a girl who has trampled our family's honor and prestige give birth to the heir of this house?"
"So what do you want, Khushboo? If not Arunnima, then who will give us an heir? As far as I know, Chetan is not capable of having a child."
Khushboo Masi's fists clenched. She looked at Astik with a stern gaze, on whose face there was a devilish smile, and he was challenging her with his eyes. Masi turned her face away in anger and said, "Chetan will recover very soon. He is taking medicines and undergoing treatment. You'll see, he will recover soon. And you know, brother, he was fine until high school. He was perfectly fine. Then, I don't know how..."
"How, what, when, why – I have nothing to do with all that, Khushboo. You are the daughter-in-law of this house, we have never denied that. Even after my younger brother's death, I have given you the same respect and place as his wife should have. But this does not mean you will point fingers at my daughter-in-law. I chose Arunnima after much thought. And okay, fine, let's assume Chetan is undergoing treatment. So tell me, when will he recover? How long will it take him to recover? After that, forget about marriage, what guarantee is there that he will be capable of providing an heir after recovery? Tell me, Khushboo, can you give a guarantee?"
"But brother..." As soon as Khushboo Masi opened her mouth to say something else, Astik intervened. Defending Arunnima, he looked at Khushboo Masi and said, "Masi ji, don't you think you are escalating this matter too much? When I and my family have no complaint with Arunnima, why are you after her with such determination? It's not like you will gain or lose anything from her having a child or not.
"Anyway, you should focus on Chetan's treatment, not on my wife. I am here to take care of her. And as far as I know, my wife is not so foolish as to have a relationship with another man while being married. Grandfather is absolutely right, it was clearly visible in the video that Arunnima was taken to the room after being drugged. Otherwise, Arunnima could never do such a thing. When I trust my wife, then why are you trying to instigate everyone against her?"
Bela pulled Khushboo Masi's hand back and said, "Masi, if these people have no problem, then why are you interfering between them? Anyway, whether Arunnima is pregnant by brother or someone else, it's their personal matter. You don't need to get involved in it. Come on, Chetan bhai hasn't been seen for a while now. Let's go find him."
Saying this, Bela dragged Khushboo Masi with her. But the hatred in Neha ji's eyes was clearly visible. She clenched her fists.
Astik looked at his father and said, "I am going home. After all this, I can't stay at the party anymore."
Pushkar ji sighed deeply and said, "Alright. You take Arunnima home. It's quite late at night. Anyway, I was about to announce the end of the party. But due to the video, it became necessary to provide an explanation to some people. Don't worry, I'll deal with them. For now, take care of Arunnima."
Astik nodded in affirmation and left from there. He went back to the parking area through the rear gate and saw that Arunnima was still intoxicated and Abha was standing there supporting her. Driver Tiwari was standing with the car door open, but Arunnima was acting reluctant to get into the car.
Astik reached Arunnima and Abha, who were standing near the car door, but Arunnima wasn't taking steps towards the door.
"Sister-in-law, please sit down. You have to go home with brother."
"If I go with your brother, he will send me not home, but directly to Yamraj... that too, with the buffalo driving himself. Oh, don't send me with Bist..." Arunnima said, pulling herself away while intoxicated.
"Do I look like Bist to you?"
Astik was standing right behind Arunnima. Arunnima stopped, and Abha's eyes widened. Arunnima, looking back fearfully and seeing Astik in front of her, hid her nervousness with a long smile, showing all her teeth and said, "Oh, my dear husband, you are standing here."
Astik took his hand out of his pant pocket and pulling her closer by her wrist, said to Abha, "You go. It's quite late, go and rest. You have to go to the office in the morning."
Abha nodded in fear and left, after glancing at Arunnima. But seeing her leave, nervousness appeared on Arunnima's face, because now she was alone with Astik.
Astik looked sternly at driver Tiwari and said, "You go too. I'll drive the car myself."
Hearing his master's voice, Tiwari couldn't say anything. He nodded in agreement and handing the car keys to Astik, left from there. Now only Astik and Arunnima were standing there.
Astik, staring, looked into Arunnima's drunken eyes and said, "What were you saying to Abha, that I am Bist?"
"Who said you are Bist? I absolutely didn't say that. You must have heard wrong. Your ears must be ringing. I was telling Abha, where is your handsome brother who will carry me to the car in his lap," Arunnima said innocently.
Astik stared at her and said, "What did you say? I will carry you to the car in my lap?"
Arunnima looked at Astik with her twinkling eyes and said softly, "You'll have to carry me, because you haven't left my legs in any condition to walk."
Astik stared and said, "How so?"
Arunnima made a crying face and looked at her foot. When Astik saw Arunnima's foot, he quickly pulled his foot back. Actually, while bringing Arunnima closer, Astik had stepped his shoe-clad foot on Arunnima's sandaled feet, causing her toes to become severely red.
Astik stared and said, "If my foot was on your foot, couldn't you have told me?"
"How could I tell you? I was scared by these cat-like eyes of yours," Arunnima said innocently.
Astik said, stunned, "Cat? What?"
Arunnima said, "What else? Have you ever seen yourself in a mirror? Your eyes are exactly like a cat's. Anyone can get scared looking at them. So I am just an innocent sparrow."
Astik pulled Arunnima and said, "Stop talking nonsense and sit in the car quietly. Otherwise, this hawk knows very well how to hunt a sparrow."
When Arunnima took a step, she felt a sharp pain in her foot. She cried out, "I can't walk. You crushed my foot with this leather shoe of yours."
Astik stared at Arunnima in anger and the next moment, lifted her onto his shoulder. Arunnima was surprised. She wasn't prepared for this. But Astik couldn't waste any more time.
He took Arunnima to the car and opening the back door, pushed her inside. Arunnima lay down in the car, and the car was so big that she stretched out comfortably on the back seat.
Astik sat in the driving seat, started the car, and looking at Arunnima in the rear-view mirror, thought angrily, "I've never done this for anyone, but this girl has made me a driver. I will definitely take revenge for this. Just let her regain consciousness, and I will settle the score for everything she has done tonight."
He took Arunnima home. Arunnima had fallen asleep in the car. She was not even conscious of when Astik brought her home.
Upon reaching home, Astik picked Arunnima up in his arms and threw her onto the living room sofa. He did not take her to her room. Then, leaving Julie and Rosy near Arunnima, he went to his room. He didn't even look back at Arunnima once.
Arunnima slept on the sofa in an unconscious state.
The next morning:
When Arunnima opened her eyes, she saw that along with Julie and Rosy, Neeraj (Astik's personal assistant) was also standing there.
Neeraj took out a tablet from his bag and offered it to Arunnima, saying, "Madam, please take this medicine."
Arunnima, surprised, thought to herself, "I was at the party last night, wasn't I? Then how did I get home?"
She couldn't remember anything. The last thing she remembered was sitting in the garden.
Just then, her head started throbbing with pain. Holding her head, she sat down on the sofa. Neeraj, placing the medicine down, said, "Madam, please take this medicine. It will cure your hangover."
Arunima was sitting on the sofa in her house. She looked at Neeraj, Julie, and Rosie standing in front of her with surprise. Her head was pounding, and she couldn't remember anything. She looked at Neeraj in surprise, who offered her a medicine, saying, "Madam, please take this, it will help with your hangover."
Arunima couldn't remember anything. Then her gaze fell on her hand. Her hand was red with fingerprints. There were deep finger marks on her wrist. And this saree was not the same one she had worn the previous night. She had worn the saree neatly last night, but now it was disheveled and just wrapped around her body. Suddenly, Arunima's heart started pounding, and she looked at them fearfully.
Seeing her scared, Neeraj gently asked, "Madam, do you remember anything? Who took you to the room and what happened to you?"
"What... what are you saying? I don't understand anything. Tell me clearly, what do you mean?" Arunima began to question Neeraj fearfully. Seeing her nervousness, Neeraj realized that Arunima didn't remember anything due to intoxication.
Neeraj looked at Arunima and said, "Madam, you were given some intoxicating substance, due to which you became unconscious. After that, someone took you to your room and then took some strange pictures with you and posted them on social media. This has greatly damaged the boss's image."
Arunima's jaw dropped. She knew very well how much her reputation meant to Astik. She had often heard from the house servants that if anyone wanted to tarnish Astik's reputation and image, Astik would kill that person, no matter how important that person was to Astik.
Thinking about this, Arunima's body started to stiffen. She looked at Neeraj fearfully. At that moment, she was so scared that she would rather give up her life than face Astik. She fearfully asked Neeraj, "Did Astik see that footage?"
"Yes, Madam. Not just the boss, but everyone at the party last night saw those photos."
Arunima's heart suddenly seemed to stop. She was trembling terribly from fear. She had been portrayed as a prostitute. This was not only damaging Astik's name but also hurting Arunima's dignity.
But Neeraj explained the whole thing to Arunima, saying, "Madam, someone has made that footage viral on the internet. The boss is trying his best to find out who posted it on the internet. This thing will be removed from the internet in a few hours."
Arunima's breathing quickened. She suddenly started to hiccup. Her eyes filled with tears, and her heart was beating so violently that she couldn't even move from her spot. Neeraj, Julie, and Rosie became worried seeing her like this. Rosie quickly said, "Madam, are you alright? Shall I bring you some water?"
Rosie ran to the kitchen and brought a glass of water and gave it to Arunima. Arunima picked up the glass of water with trembling hands and started to drink it, but she was drinking less and spilling more. She tried to remember what had happened last night, but all she remembered was that she had gone to Astik's room. After that, she couldn't remember anything. She tried very hard, but she couldn't even remember who she was with in the room or what happened to her.
As Neeraj had said, it wasn't just Arunima's character that was being questioned, but the Raychand family was also insulted. As Arunima nervously drank water, her eyes fell on the stairs. Astik, in black pants and a shirt, was descending the stairs with his arms folded. His hair was slightly messy, as if he had just woken up.
Seeing Astik, Arunima's fear increased even more. She looked at Astik with panicked eyes. But Astik's face was completely expressionless. Arunima couldn't understand if Astik was angry or not, because there were no signs of displeasure on his face. He looked completely normal, as he always appeared to others.
Astik came to Arunima and looking at her said, "Are you okay?"
But Arunima was so terrified that she couldn't even answer Astik's question. She felt like running away from there at that moment.
Arunima nodded in affirmation nervously, but at the same moment, Astik slammed his hands on the table and said, "If you are okay, then you will remember who was with you last night. Who were you with in the room last night?"
The glass of water slipped from Arunima's hands, and she trembled with fear. She quickly shook her head in denial and said, "I don't remember anything. I don't know what happened to me. Believe me, I haven't done anything."
But the very next moment, Astik angrily grabbed Arunima's wrist and started dragging her towards the room. Arunima got completely scared. She tried to grab everything in her path to save herself, but all those things were like toys in front of Astik.
Besides, all the servants had bowed their heads, and Neeraj also stood there with his eyes closed.
The servants who were coming in the way quietly moved aside, seeing Astik's anger, and turned their faces away. For them, this scene was as if it didn't exist. For them, only one thing mattered, and that was their master's command.
Astik took Arunima straight into the room and the next moment pushed her onto the bed. Arunima couldn't regain her balance and fell onto the bed face-first. Along with this, the pallu of her saree slipped from her chest again and scattered on the floor below.
No response from Groq.
Arunima sat in her room, frozen like a stone. Two hours had passed since Astik had left her room, but Arunima was still sitting there. Astik's words echoed in her ears:
"Get yourself ready well tonight, so that seeing you, I feel like coming to you. Even if you get yourself ready in any way, I wouldn't even like to look at you. But because I want a child from you in the next year, I will have to come close to you against my will. So, my dear wife, be ready tonight."
Only these words echoed in Arunima's ears: "Be ready for tonight. Tonight." Astik's words jolted her. His coming near her meant... Arunima's heart began to pound. She covered her ears, wanting to stop listening to these voices fearfully. But the more she covered her ears, the louder these voices echoed in her mind.
After enduring for a long time, Arunima couldn't bear it anymore. Slowly, she stood up and went to the mirror. In the mirror, she saw her broken self: disheveled hair, a devastated face. What was left of her? The daughter of a rich family, the daughter-in-law of a rich family, the wife of a rice businessman. But her status? Worse than a maid.
Arunima's lips began to tremble. She looked at herself in the mirror fearfully. Her gaze fell on her exposed stomach. Her heart beat wildly as she placed her hand near her navel. She asked herself fearfully, "No, this cannot be. I will never let the devil's child into this world. If this happens, I will be bound to the devil for my entire life. If this happens, my life and my child's life will be ruined. I cannot let this happen. I cannot be pregnant with the devil."
Thinking all this, Arunima quickly went to the calendar and started looking at something there. As soon as her eyes fell on the calendar, she covered her mouth with her hand. "My periods just ended. This means..." She became terribly scared. "No, this cannot be. I have to do something, I have to do something quickly." But "What should I do? What can I do?"
Arunima looked around frantically. Just then, an idea struck her. Her eyes turned cold. There was no expression on her face. Her hands trembled towards her stomach, but an answer had come from within her.
"I have to run. I have to run away from here. I have to run away from the devil."
Arunima went to the cupboard and put on her home clothes. She freshened herself with cold water, washed her face, and tied her hair into a messy bun with a hairpin. She sat in the corner and thought about the decision she had made. She had decided to run away. Away from all this. Away from this deceitful world. Away from these people. And so far away from Astik that he could never find her in her life.
"Even if I have to do small jobs at first. Even if I don't find a job, I will earn a living by working in households. But at least that life will be better than this life."
But the problem was, how would Arunima run away from here? There was security all around the house. Arunima wasn't even allowed to step outside the door. She had been imprisoned in this house for the past year. There were 120 CCTV cameras in the garden area, let alone the entire bungalow. If Arunima ever had to go out, Astik would either take her himself, or a whole team of high-tech security would accompany her.
In such a situation, Arunima's escape from here was almost impossible. She had to get out without anyone noticing. While thinking about this, there was a knock on Arunima's door. She was startled. With surprise and fear, she looked towards the door.
"Who could it be at this time? Has Astik returned? But he said he would come at night. Then how so soon?"
Arunima looked towards the door nervously. As she was thinking all this, there was another knock on the door...
"Ma'am, Dr. Nisha has come to see you."
Hearing Rozi's voice from outside, Arunima felt a little relieved, because it wasn't Astik. But Doctor Nisha had come to see her? Doctor Nisha was Arunima's personal doctor, whom the Raichand family had provided for Arunima. So that whenever Arunima needed a doctor, Doctor Nisha would examine her.
In the past year, Doctor Nisha had come only twice for Arunima's check-up. That too, under everyone's supervision. Once when Arunima had sprained her ankle, and the second time when she had injured her hand while working in the kitchen. Apart from that, Doctor Nisha had never come to see her. But why had Doctor Nisha suddenly come here today? And that too, when Arunima wasn't sick.
As Arunima was thinking all this with surprise, Rozi knocked on the door once again. Arunima quickly stood up and, holding her dupatta tightly, said,
"Okay, send them in."
As soon as Arunima said this, Rozi said "Okay" and left. Arunima glanced at herself in the mirror, "Do I look alright?" Just then the door opened.
Arunima saw that Neeraj had opened the door. He had a small bag in his hand, and behind him stood Doctor Nisha. She had a stethoscope in her hands and spectacles on her eyes as usual. She came in smiling. Arunima also tried to smile forcefully.
Dr. Nisha looked at Arunima and said,
"Hello Arunima, how are you?"
Arunima replied,
"Hello, Doctor Nisha. I am fine. But how did you suddenly come here? I am perfectly fine. I am not even feeling unwell."
Arunima said, looking at the doctor with surprise.
Just then, Neeraj placed Doctor Nisha's bag on the table and left the room. Doctor Nisha looked at Arunima and said,
"Arunima, I have come here to conduct a test on you."
"Test? What kind of test?" Arunima asked in surprise.
Doctor Nisha placed the stethoscope on the table and opening her bag, said,
"Your husband has sent me. He wants to have you tested. I have also seen the video that went viral on social media."
Doctor Nisha's words made Arunima feel ashamed. She understood what Doctor Nisha was implying. Astik had sent her here so that she could examine Arunima.
Although Doctor Nisha was a professional, she chose her words carefully. Yet, Arunima felt that Astik wanted to test her because of last night. This was extremely humiliating for Arunima.
Doctor Nisha took out a syringe and extended her hand to take Arunima's blood sample. But Arunima pulled her hand back and said,
"I am fine. Nothing has happened to me, and nothing has happened to me."
Filled with humiliation, disgust, and contempt, Arunima endured everything, but tried her best to keep her self-respect alive. Doctor Nisha could understand her state of mind. Holding the syringe, she said,
"I know, Arunima, that nothing has happened to you and nothing wrong has happened to you. But I am just doing my job here. Mr. Raichand wants me to test you. Don't worry. I have just come to take your blood sample. The rest of the tests will be done at the hospital. You will get the blood report there as well. From the blood sample, we will know what kind of intoxication was given to you."
Doctor Nisha's words caused thousands of questions and prickles in Arunima's heart. She was breaking from within. Although she wanted to cry tears of blood, she controlled her emotions.
From all this, it was clear that Astik doubted Arunima. And even her purity.
(Author's Note)
It is Astik who needs a test, not of his body, but of his mind. He himself is in love with Amaira and is demanding proof of Arunima's purity!
For now, I am controlling my emotions. But the more Astik tortures Arunima, as a writer, I am noting every detail. And in the upcoming episodes, a full account will be settled. Let's get back to the story now.
In Arunima's room, Doctor Nisha was taking her blood sample. However, more than the red color of her blood in the injection, Arunima was troubled by the fact that she had chosen a life partner who perhaps did not deserve to be called human. At the time of marriage, she had promised to spend her whole life with this person.
Arunima didn't even realize when Doctor Nisha took her blood sample.
Neeraj received a call and went out of the room to attend to it. Doctor Nisha was collecting the blood sample and putting it in the bag. Arunima looked at Doctor Nisha and said, "Doctor, I honestly don't remember anything from last night, but I can say with certainty that nothing happened to me. Nobody did anything to me. If something had happened, I would have known. My body would have reacted somehow. I have been framed. Someone is trying to trap me in their conspiracy, using me. You understand what I'm saying, don't you?"
Doctor Nisha nodded with a smile and said, "Yes Arunima, I understand what you are saying. In fact, anyone can tell by looking at your face that you were intoxicated at the time. As for being framed, Mr. Raichand is there for that. You know, he is getting all those clips deleted from social media. Whoever has tried to speak against you is facing a very bad situation. Leave all other things to your husband. And this is just a normal test. When you know that nothing happened to you, then nothing will come out of the test.
Look Arunima, Astik is a man. If not for anyone else, then for your husband, to satisfy him, get this test done. It won't take much time at the hospital, at most an hour."
Arunima wanted to say something more, to explain herself, but just then something struck her, and she stopped her hands. She pulled her hands back and said to Doctor Nisha, "Will my other tests be done at your hospital? I will have to come to the hospital for this, right?"
Doctor Nisha nodded with a smile. Arunima thought something in her mind and said, "Alright Doctor, I will come to your hospital in the evening."
Nisha stood up and said with a smile, "That's the sensible thing to do. Come, let's meet at the hospital in the evening. I will conduct your test, and you will get the report of this blood sample at the hospital as well."
Doctor Nisha left the room. Neeraj was waiting at the door. He took the bag from Doctor Nisha's hand and, after glancing at Arunima, took Doctor Nisha away. After they left, Arunima quickly closed the door, and a sense of relief washed over her face. She thought that she would find an opportunity at Doctor Nisha's clinic and escape as soon as she got the chance. A smile appeared on her face with this thought. She was happy to think that she would become free from Astik. Even if it could be dangerous, she accepted this danger for her freedom. She would not regret even if she lost her life in return. But she was not going to give birth to that devil's child.
In the evening, when Arunima came out of the house to go to the hospital, she was surprised. Besides Neeraj and a driver, more than 10 bodyguards were present for her security. Seeing so many bodyguards, Arunima panicked. She had thought she would go with Neeraj and one bodyguard and quickly slip away by tricking them. But it was almost impossible to get away from so many bodyguards.
But Arunima was not one to give up, at least not for her freedom. She exhaled deeply and sat in the car with a smile, as if everything was normal. She did not want to show anyone that she was thinking something at that moment. So she kept her face normal.
As the car moved towards the hospital, Arunima's plan became stronger.
Upon reaching the hospital, the bodyguards surrounded Arunima so tightly that not even a bird could fly through. Amidst such high security, Arunima reached Doctor Nisha's cabin. There, she panicked because her escape plan had ended the moment she stepped through the hospital door. She had thought she would escape from the hospital parking lot by tricking Neeraj and the security. But here, the security had brought her all the way to Doctor Nisha's cabin. Now it was very difficult to get out from here.
But Arunima still did not give up. As soon as she entered Doctor Nisha's cabin, Nisha smiled and said, "You've come, Arunima, I was waiting for you. Come, I'll start your test."
Arunima quickly came to Doctor Nisha and holding her hand, said, "Doctor, please help me. Please, help me get out of here. I plead with you. I will be indebted to you for my entire life. Please, get me out of here."
Arunima was sitting in Dr. Nisha's cabin at that time. She was very nervous. She had decided that she would run away from here, but Neeraj had arrived with the entire security team. It was very difficult for her to get out of here. But Arunima was not backing down from her decision. This was her only chance to escape from here. If she could not escape from here, she would be forced to sleep with Astik, much against her will.
Dr. Nisha entered the cabin and smiled upon seeing Arunima. She took out an injection and some test kits to test Arunima.
But as soon as Dr. Nisha came near Arunima and was about to put the BP machine on her hand, Arunima caught her hand. Dr. Nisha looked at Arunima in surprise. This was Arunima's last chance. Even if she had to bow down to someone for this, she would not retreat. Arunima held Dr. Nisha's hand and began to beg for help from her.
"Nisha, please... please help me. I am in big trouble. I need your help. Help me for humanity's sake."
Dr. Nisha suddenly became flustered, as this was not Arunima's usual demeanor. She seemed completely opposite. Nisha looked at Arunima in surprise and said, "Arunima, what happened? Are you alright? Did something happen to you? If there's any problem, tell me. Okay, alright. You sit here. I'll go and call Neeraj right now."
But before Dr. Nisha could leave, Arunima held her hand and said, "No Nisha, please. Don't call Neeraj and don't tell the security anything. I need your help to save me from them."
As Arunima said this to Nisha, crying, Nisha looked at her with confused eyes and asked in surprise, "To escape? What do you mean? I don't understand, Arunima. What are you trying to say?"
Arunima knew that Dr. Nisha was Dr. Raichand's doctor, so she wouldn't let her go easily. But setting aside all other thoughts, Arunima realized that Dr. Nisha was not bad at heart. Her nature was quite simple. Although she minded her own business, she was a soft-hearted and good human being. With this hope, Arunima told her everything that had happened to her—her marriage to Astik, everything that happened at the anniversary party last night.
After narrating her entire ordeal, Arunima broke down crying in front of Dr. Nisha. She said to Dr. Nisha, "Doctor, I married Astik at my parents' behest. They told me to trust them, that everything would be alright one day. For the sake of my parents, I have been waiting for everything to be alright for the past year. But in this one year, I have carried the burden of this loneliness all by myself. And I don't want to put this burden on anyone else. But I can't bear it anymore. I have lost. My mental state is on the verge of deteriorating. I don't want to lose my life, Nisha. You are a doctor. It is your job to give people hope to live. I fold my hands before you. My life is in your hands. If you wish, you can save it, otherwise, I will have no option but to end my life."
When Dr. Nisha heard Arunima's entire story, she couldn't believe what Aruminima had actually been going through for the past year. Dr. Nisha was also surprised to feel pity for Arunima's condition. Because the Raichand family was the biggest and richest family in the city. For wealth, fame, and name, that clan was at the top in the whole city. Looking at their grandeur, no one could say that their own daughter-in-law was living in such torment in their house.
Arunima continued to cry and said to Dr. Nisha, "I am just a possession in that house. I either go out with Astik for meetings or am used like a showpiece at big parties. And the rest of the time, I am left lying around like trash in that house. He has treated me as badly as he could until today. But tonight..." Arunima left her sentence unfinished and started crying.
Dr. Nisha could understand her state of mind. She quickly comforted Arunima and, handing her a glass of water, said, "So that's why Astik wants to test you, to see if you are a virgin or not."
Arunima burst into tears and nodded her head. Dr. Nisha fell into deep thought. She saw Arunima's condition and after hearing her entire ordeal, she also felt a sense of sympathy. But she was not just a human being, she was also the Raichand family's doctor. Therefore, she knew Astik very well. She said seriously, "All this is fine, Arunima. But do you think you can do this? I mean, Neeraj gets suspicious of everything very quickly. It's not easy to fool him. And then Astik... do you think he will sit quietly after hearing about your disappearance? He will keep searching for you until he finds you. And you yourself said that he wants a child from you."
Arunima wiped her tears and immediately said, "Yes, I know. That's why I want to run away from here. I don't want to give birth to Astik's child. This is the only way I can see to escape this hell."
Seeing her so distressed and defeated, Dr. Nisha finally decided to help her. Since Neeraj and the guards were standing at the front door, leaving from there could be dangerous. Dr. Nisha told her to leave through the back door of her cabin, which led through the hospital's mortuary area to a jungle path.
Arunima looked at Dr. Nisha in surprise. However, a spark of happiness was clearly visible in her eyes. Before leaving, she hugged Dr. Nisha and said fearfully, "Nisha, I will never forget this favor of yours."
Dr. Nisha comforted her and said, "Go, I will handle Neeraj and everyone else. And don't worry, I will change your reports too. Astik won't find out anything about you."
Arunima hugged Dr. Nisha and left through the back path of her cabin. She went straight to the mortuary, where passing through the dead bodies felt very strange to her. She felt like vomiting, but for her freedom, she controlled herself. Covering her nose with her dupatta, she somehow got out of the mortuary.
As soon as she came out, the bright light struck her eyes. She quickly put her hand over her eyes. When she slowly removed her hand and saw the dazzling sun, she felt a sense of relief for the first time.
She had reached the back gate of the hospital, where there were no guards and no one to recognize her. But this was just the beginning. She had to leave from here quickly too. She covered her face with her dupatta and, looking around, crossed the road to the other side.
Finally, after a year of confinement, Arunima was free.
She herself couldn't explain how she was feeling. Happiness, pain, suffering, and new hopes—everything at once. As she ran, her breathing became faster. Passersby looked at her strangely, but Arunima didn't care about any of this. She wanted to escape from there somehow. The Raichand family was a well-known name in the city, and Arunima's face was not hidden from anyone either.
Arunima just kept running. She didn't know where to go. She didn't have any money either, but despite that, her steps didn't stop. She reached a dirt path via the highway. She wanted to reach the bus stand as soon as possible. From there, with someone's help, she wanted to go to her friend Avni.
Avni was the only support she could see. She had no hope from her parents, who hadn't even inquired about her in the past year. She was sure that Avni would definitely help her. Arunima's plan was to go to some island that was untraceable and where Astik could never find her.
As she ran, evening turned into night.
Streetlights had come on all around. Arunima kept running even in the darkness. Her legs and stomach started aching. She hadn't eaten anything since noon. But Arunima was not ready to give up. This was the biggest opportunity of her life, and she didn't want to waste it.
As Arunima moved from the highway towards the dirt path, the darkness deepened there because the jungle path started from there. There were no streetlights and no light. Arunima's legs had gone numb, and she was running fearlessly, breathing heavily. She couldn't see any vehicles on the dirt path that could help her see or that she could hope for a lift from.
Arunima was a little surprised. This dirt path connects the highway to her city, so there should have been vehicles here, but there wasn't a single one. Arunima found this a bit strange.
Still, Arunima tried to recognize the path with her eyes and kept moving forward. For some reason, her steps were faltering. She felt like she was going in the wrong direction. But she couldn't stop at this moment. Finally, she had to stop somewhere because she saw that ahead there were only thorny bushes and jungle. There was no path. Arunima was terribly shocked to see this, as there was no way forward for her.
Arunima panicked and started searching for a way. She slowly started moving her steps in another direction, but then she heard a faint sound. Arunima got scared and looked back fearfully. Then her gaze fell on two black Scorpio cars coming from the dirt path behind.
Before Arunima could do anything or run away from there, the two Scorpios sped towards Arunima. Arunima's entire body was seized with fear. Her eyes became like stone, and she froze in her place.
Both Scorpios stopped near Arunima and surrounded her. Then the door of one Scorpio opened, and Astik got out. He had a gun in his hand. He walked towards Arunima in anger and said, "How dare you try to run away from me?"
"How dare you even think of running away from me? Even thinking about it?" Aastik said, moving closer to Arunima. When Arunima looked at him, her entire face turned pale. She was frozen in place, and fear was evident on her face.
Arunima watched him approach. He held a gun in one hand, and his eyes held embers of terror. It seemed as though he would kill Arunima. Arunima was so terrified that she was incapable of thinking.
Aastik stopped a short distance away from her. All his men got out of the car and stood by the roadside. Aastik looked at Arunima. Seeing her fear-stricken face, a satisfied, devilish smile appeared on Aastik's face. After all, he was a mafia. He enjoyed seeing fear on people's faces. And when that fear was of "Aastik Rai Chand," he felt even more pride in it.
Seeing Arunima like this, Aastik began to smile even more menacingly. Although his intention was to gain the mafia's chair by killing Arunima. In a way, Arunima was nothing more than a foolish woman to him. Especially when he saw that Arunima had escaped from his captivity, bypassing his security.
For a moment, Aastik even admired Arunima's cleverness, as she had evaded his train security. But Arunima made a mistake. She forgot that this area, this city, everything belonged to Aastik Rai Chand. Without his will, no one could enter or leave this city. Especially not his wife.
"Jaan..."
At Aastik's "Jaan," Arunima felt as if her life had left her. She looked at Aastik with fearful eyes. Her body trembled like a dry leaf. Her fingers were shaking so badly that she couldn't even understand it herself. Perhaps no one noticed, but Arunima was trying to dig a hole in the ground with her toe. She wished a large pit would open up right there, and she could bury herself in it.
Seeing her like this, Aastik's intentions became even more dangerous. He moved towards Arunima like a demon. But then Arunima said with a trembling voice, "No... Please don't come near me. Don't do anything to me."
Aastik's steps did not stop. He just kept moving towards Arunima, looking at her fear-filled face. Arunima continuously shook her head, forbidding him to come closer. Strands of her hair stuck to her cheeks with sweat. Her eyes were completely red. Her face was flushed with extreme fear, and sweat dripped from her nose and mouth.
Arunima backed away until she hit a tree. Now there was nowhere left for her to go. Aastik's men stood all around, and the devil himself stood in front of her.
Aastik approached Arunima. He dug his fingers into her neck and pulled her hair, jerking her head. This touch made Arunima flinch so much that it felt as if her heart had stopped. But Aastik's gaze remained fixed on Arunima's face. Her red, fear-stricken face, for some reason, compelled Aastik to look at it again and again.
"Please... let me go. I fold my hands to you. Let me go. I haven't done anything..."
Arunima began to plead with Aastik, clasping her trembling hands. Seeing her condition, Aastik's smile slowly faded from his face. He closed his eyes, turned his face aside, and said, "Stop saying that."
But Arunima did not stop. She was still saying, "Please, let me go. I don't want to be here. Please, let me go. I won't tell anyone anything. I won't reveal anything to anyone. Just let me go."
Aastik stared at Arunima with his large eyes. Arunima flinched with fear and quietly looked away. Then Aastik spoke in a dangerous tone, "How can I let you go, Jaan? I need you for my future plans. And I know you don't want to see my dark side. That's why you're trying to run away from me. But I won't let you go because what I want is very close to me. And I cannot fulfill this small request of yours right now."
Arunima said in a trembling voice, "I don't want a child with you. I cannot give birth to your child. That would be absolutely wrong. Please, leave me."
Hearing her words, Aastik clenched his fist in anger. Arunima's statement that she didn't want to give birth to his child shook him to the core. His anger grew so much that he felt like taking Arunima's life, but he knew he could neither let her go nor kill her.
Aastik stood at some distance from Arunima, staring at her. Meanwhile, Arunima watched him, trembling with fear. Then Aastik, with a slight smile, scratched his forehead with the tip of his gun and said, "I didn't know you didn't want to be with me. You never told me. Well, there was never an opportunity for us to talk. So perhaps I didn't know what was on your mind. But now I understand that you don't want to be with me. Fine, if that's the case, I'll let you go. Not just Mumbai, if you wish, I'll even send you out of India. I'll bear all your flight and other expenses myself. You can settle down wherever you want."
Arunima looked at Aastik in surprise. She couldn't believe that Aastik was letting her go so easily. She asked uncomfortably, "Are you telling the truth? Can I go?"
Aastik's devilish smile returned. He nodded and said, "Yes, you can absolutely go. But know this—everything in this world has a price. Nothing comes for free. Now you see, how much money I invested to save your father's company. In return, I earned the right to imprison you. But if you want freedom now, you'll have to pay the price."
"What do you mean? I don't understand," Arunima asked fearfully.
Aastik said in a dangerous voice, "Why are you so scared? I haven't even finished explaining. You want freedom, but the problem is you have no money and nothing else. So, I thought I'd play a game with you. A small game. If you win, you'll get your freedom."
"What kind of game?" Arunima asked with surprise and fear.
Aastik smiled and said slowly but terrifyingly, "Death game."
Arunima's body began to tremble with fear. She said with a trembling voice, "No... I don't want to play any games."
But Aastik laughed like a madman. His laughter was like that of a terrifying demon. Twirling his gun on his fingers, he said, "You may have no intention of playing, but I'm in the mood. And you have no other option."
Pointing towards the forest, Aastik said, "You run into the forest. My men will chase you and fire at you. This game will last for an hour. If you survive, you'll get your freedom. And if you die, then condolences."
Aastik spoke so casually, as if discussing a children's game. Arunima trembled with fear, but then she wiped the tears from her eyes and, gathering courage, said, "I'm ready."
Aastik's smile vanished. He looked at Arunima in surprise. Arunima looked at him resolutely and said, "Yes, I'm ready. To play this game. And whatever the outcome, victory will be mine. If I survive, you will set me free. And if I die, I will be free from your captivity. Death is a better option than staying with you."
Aastik, who was twirling the gun in his fingers, suddenly stopped and stared at Arunima in surprise. Arunima was so desperate that she considered embracing death, but Aastik did not approve. Aastik said with a wry smile, "Then, alright. Let's play the death game."
Aastik directly got into his Scorpio. As soon as the car door opened, all his men also got into the car. Opening the window panes, they took out their guns and began to aim.
"Run!" As soon as Aastik said this, Arunima started running towards the forest. Aastik also followed Arunima into the forest in his car. He was enjoying the game with pleasure, while Arunima was running with all her might. Firing continued from behind.
Arunima tried to save herself by hiding behind every tree like a madwoman. Wherever she hid, a bullet narrowly missed her. Aastik found the game very amusing, as if he were hunting Arunima. Arunima was hiding herself by running from one tree to another. Then a bullet grazed her arm.
As soon as Aastik saw this, he pulled back his gun. He saw Arunima steadying herself behind a tree with a sharp scream. Then he angrily turned his gun towards one of his men and said, "Did I tell you to fire?"
The man said fearfully, "I thought you wanted to kill her, so you were playing this game."
Hearing the man's words, Aastik pulled the trigger of his gun and said, "If I wanted to kill her, why would I be looking for her? Her time to die has not come yet. But your time has. You've made a huge mistake by firing at her."
And with that, Aastik shot the man right in the middle of his head. He died on the spot. Another man opened the car door and pushed his corpse out. After this, Aastik saw that Arunima was not in her spot where she had hidden, wounded.
Seeing this, a wicked smile appeared on Aastik's face. He knew that Arunima would be hiding somewhere nearby. Because her arm was injured, the game had become even more interesting.
Aastik got out of his car with his gun. His men also came out with their guns. Aastik looked towards the trees, laughing, and said, "Jaan, where are you hiding? I can't see you. If I can't see you, how will I fire? Oh, don't be afraid, that shot was accidental. That was fired by that foolish man. If I had fired it, it would have hit your head, not your arm. Okay, come out. I'll ask my men to stand down. No one will shoot you. Only I will play the game with you."
But he didn't hear any sound from anywhere. Arunima was injured, but she felt no pain anywhere. Aastik paused for a moment and looked around. He felt suspicious and ordered his men to surround the forest.
Aastik's men immediately surrounded the forest. Arunima couldn't have gone far because she was injured. She had fallen into a hunter's trap and lay there unconscious. Aastik's men heard her faint breaths and found her.
Aastik knelt by the pit and looked at Arunima. Arunima, in a trembling voice, said fearfully, "Please, kill me."
A devilish smile appeared on Aastik's face. Looking at Arunima, he said, "It was fun playing the game with you, Jaan."
Aastik quickly got down into the pit and lifted Arunima into his arms. Arunima's condition had become critical due to the gunshot. Her breaths were shallow. Seeing her pale face, a sense of relief washed over Aastik's face. Arunima rested her head on Aastik's chest and trembled, saying, "Death is better than being with you."
A slight smile was on Aastik's face, but his eyes held entirely different intentions.
Darkness was all I could see. I felt as if my body was motionless. Nothing was visible except darkness. Then, a light struck my eyes, and with it, my eyes slowly began to open. It felt as though I was in a deep sleep, and my body was bound and held down by a heavy stone. But as my eyelids slowly began to open, I finally met the light. I slowly blinked, coming out of unconsciousness. I realized I was lying down, as I could see the ceiling above me. The ceiling had beautiful carvings, and a magnificent chandelier hung in the center.
I felt strange, as that heaviness in my body still persisted.
When Arunima regained consciousness from her state of unconsciousness, that was the first thought that came to her mind. But she was lost in her thoughts when she heard a voice that, along with bringing her back to awareness, plunged her back into a world of terror.
"You're awake, darling. How are you feeling now?"
Arunima was suddenly startled. She turned her face and her eyes widened in fear. Astik was sitting right there on her bed, very close to her. So close that she could feel his breath.
This was the first time she had seen Astik so close to her. Along with this, her mind was filled with confusion. Then she remembered she was in the forest, and Astik was playing a death game with her. But then a shot was fired, and she ran and fell into a pit. She didn't remember what happened after that. She had fainted. Now that she was conscious, she found herself in his room with Astik.
It didn't take Arunima a second to realize that she had returned to the beast's captivity. Her only means of escape, the one she had chosen, had now slipped from her grasp. Astik had taken her back into his captivity once again.
Arunima was frightened seeing Astik in front of her. She tried to get off the bed with fear, but as she sat up on her waist, a sharp pain gripped her. She groaned in pain. She clutched her arm tightly, and her face contorted in pain.
Astik looked at her and said, "Who told you to move? You're injured. You need rest for a few days."
Arunima looked at her arm with panicked eyes, where a white bandage was tied. She remembered she had been shot. The bullet had grazed her. She couldn't figure out who had fired the shot—Astik or one of his men. Whatever it was, Arunima had been shot. And in such a way, as if she were not a human but some wild animal. She had heard that humans hunt animals. But she had seen humans being hunted for the first time.
A film of tears welled up in Arunima's eyes. She looked at Astik. There were some expressions of concern on his face. Arunima was surprised. She couldn't believe that someone like Astik could show concern for her. But she also remembered that he himself was the one who had injured her.
Arunima looked at Astik fearfully. There were no expressions on Astik's face. Then Arunima felt something. She slowly lowered her face. At that moment, her breath caught in her throat. Her eyes widened in fear, and she started breathing rapidly. At this time, the blanket was up to her waist. She was not wearing anything on top. She even felt like she wasn't wearing anything below her waist either.
Overwhelmed by fear and panic, Arunima quickly clutched the blanket tightly with her hands and covered herself up to her chest. Tears welled up in her eyes. She was so panicked that she couldn't understand what was happening.
Seeing her panic, Astik gave a devilish smile and with a sinister laugh said, "You don't need to do all this, darling. I've seen you from head to toe already."
Arunima looked at Astik with panicked eyes. Astik laughed louder seeing her condition. Then he came close to her face and whispered softly in her ear, "And I must say, you are absolutely hot and sexy. Perfect body."
Arunima asked in a trembling voice, "Where are my clothes? And who changed my clothes?"
Astik replied with a laugh, "Who do you think has the guts to do that?"
Astik, laughing, moved away from Arunima and sat down at the other end of the bed. He was still looking at her, laughing, and seeing the smile on his face, Arunima's fear deepened.
Astik, slowing down his laughter, said, "That's enough for today. Now hurry up and get ready. Your new doctor will examine you. She could be here any moment, so wear your clothes before then."
Hearing Astik's words, Arunima was completely confused. "New doctor?" Questions arose in her mind. Her old doctor, Nisha... What was the need for a new doctor when Nisha was there? And with that thought, Arunima's eyes widened. Her heart started beating fast. Doctor Nisha. She had helped Arunima escape. Had Astik found out about it? Had he done something to Nisha? If that happened... the thought filled Arunima's heart with fear.
Arunima quickly wrapped the blanket around herself and said anxiously, "Where is Nisha?"
Astik, who was about to get out of bed, suddenly turned and looked at her. A devilish smile deepened on his face. A secret was hidden in his eyes. Arunima recognized the hidden meaning in the depths of his eyes. And at that moment, guilt and sympathy for Nisha filled her heart. Nisha had only helped her, out of humanity.
Arunima said fearfully, "Please, don't hurt Nisha. She didn't do anything. It's not her fault. Let her go, let her be."
Hearing Arunima's words, Astik stood up from the bed, laughing. When he stood up completely, Arunima's gaze fell on his body. Her eyes went blank. Astik was only wearing sweatpants, and nothing on his upper body. Arunima's eyes got stuck on the eagle tattoo on his chest. His tattoo extended from his right shoulder to his chest. This was the first time she had seen Astik in this state.
Arunima's gaze slowly moved to his six-pack abs. There, above his waist, was a black devil tattoo. His tattoos looked so real, as if a painting had come to life.
Astik sensed her gaze and, smiling, got off the bed and started walking towards her. Arunima's gaze this time went to his back. His entire back was covered with a 3D tattoo of Ravana with ten heads. The tattoo looked so terrifying and alive, as if Ravana were laughing from within him.
Arunima's eyes widened seeing all this. She didn't even realize Astik was coming closer. Astik bent down near her face and said in a low voice, "What is it, darling? Why are you staring so intently at my tattoos? Do you like them? Do you want to touch them?"
His words brought Arunima out of her reverie. She said fearfully, "I just want you not to hurt Nisha. She has nothing to do with all this. Please, let her go. She did all that at my request."
Astik stood up straight and, clasping his hands in front of him, said, "And you tell me why I shouldn't? What benefit is there in keeping that doctor alive when I know she helped you escape? That doctor was hired by our family for your checkup. But she gave me a false health report and helped you. There must be consequences for hiding all this from me, right?"
Arunima gets scared and quickly says, "No Astik, please don't do anything to her. She hasn't done anything. Whatever she has done, she has done at my behest. And if anyone deserves punishment for this, it should be me. Please let Nisha go. She has made no mistake."
Hearing Arunima's almost collapsing words, Astik laughed and said, "Darling, I think you're starting to forget things because of all this. You're forgetting that I punished you just yesterday... Remember that death game? That was your punishment. I punished you in my own way, and I greatly enjoyed playing that game with you. But it resulted in nothing. Neither did you escape nor did you die. You even came back to me. That's why you will stay here until you die... in my captivity. But as for that doctor, her punishment is also pending. And I will punish her in my own way."
Arunima looks at Astik fearfully. Astik smiles and comes towards Arunima and says, "Do you want to see the state your friend is in because of you?"
Arunima couldn't speak, but the fear in her eyes was evident that Astik must have done something terrible. Astik took out his phone and called Neeraj the next moment.
Neeraj answered the call, his face appearing on the screen. Astik looked at him and said, "Neeraj, show me Doctor Sahiba's face."
"Okay, boss," Neeraj said.
Neeraj started moving his phone screen elsewhere. Arunima watched the phone screen fearfully. The screen showed a strange place. There were bloodstains all around, and the light was very dim. Human limbs were hanging from the walls in places, bound by chains.
As Neeraj moved down the corridor towards a room, Arunima's panic grew. The place looked no less than hell.
Neeraj opened a door and entered the room. Arunima's eyes were glued to the screen. She saw Nisha tied to a chair in a room. There were deep marks of injury on her face. She was bound by chains so tightly that blood was flowing from her body. But she was still alive, as her breath was going. She was trying to move her head from side to side in agony.
Seeing Nisha in this condition, Arunima shivered. She pleaded with Astik, "No Astik, please let her go. She hasn't done anything. I beg you with folded hands, please let her go."
Astik smiled seeing her condition and said, "If I let her go, everyone will think I lost, because I didn't punish the one who helped my wife escape. Letting her go is impossible. But yes, I can do you a favor."
Arunima looked at Astik fearfully. Astik laughed and said, "I need an heir for the Mafia chair. You give birth to my child, and I will release your friend."
Arunima shouted angrily, "I will never do that!"
At her response, Astik's crooked smile deepened. He looked at the phone screen and said to Neeraj, "Neeraj, shoot her."
Neeraj, finish her off. Anyway, that doctor isn't of any use to me.
The moment Aastik said this, Arunima hurriedly shouted, "No, Aastik, no! Don't do anything like that. Please, let her go, let her go. She hasn't done anything. I beg of you. Whatever you say, I'll do it, but please don't hurt her!"
Aastik looked at her with a mischievous gaze, as if waiting for her to say something specific. Arunima looked at him, tears welling up in her eyes, and said in a trembling voice, "You want me to have your child? I'll do it. But please, in return, spare her life. She hasn't done anything. She's innocent."
A double smile appeared on Aastik's face. He raised an eyebrow and said, "You're bargaining with your husband over my head? And you think I need your approval? Do you know who I am? Despite that, you think your consent matters to me? I didn't ask you; I told you that you'll bear my child. It doesn't matter if you want to or not. I'll make you do it whenever I want. And you're bargaining with me over the doctor's life? You think I'll let her go just because of your petty deal? I know she tried to betray me."
Arunima's eyes widened in fear as she listened to Aastik. She had never imagined he could stoop this low. But she couldn't let Nisha's life be put in danger like this. She thought quickly and, summoning her courage, said,
"If you consider this a deal, then fine, it's a deal. I'm the means to achieve your goal. But for that means to come into the world, my consent also matters... or should I say, my existence matters."
Aastik's eyes narrowed, and he glared at Arunima in anger. Arunima wiped away her tears ruthlessly and said in a furious tone,
"I know you need a heir to your father's mafia business. And to fulfill that need, you need me. You could have killed me yesterday, but you didn't. Instead, you injured me and brought me here, by your side. Because I'm still your biggest need. I'm your wife in front of the world and your family. Your family needs a child from me, and for that, I need to be alive."
"I present you with a deal, Aastik Raychand. Let Dr. Nisha go. Because if you do anything to her, I'll... I'll take my own life. There are many things in this house that I can use to end my life. And if I die, you won't get the mafia chair, nor your father's inheritance."
As soon as Arunima finished speaking, Aastik became even angrier. He grabbed her neck abruptly. Arunima's eyes grew wide with fear, and she began to tremble. Aastik squeezed her neck so tightly that Arunima felt her life was about to end. Her breath caught, her face turned red, and her eyes were about to bulge out.
But just before she took her last breath, Aastik released her neck. Arunima collapsed to the ground, coughing violently. She gasped for air, trying to replenish the oxygen in her body.
Aastik sat down beside her on his knees and looked at her with a menacing laugh. Arunima couldn't believe she was still alive. Aastik broke her thoughts with his voice,
"I hate people who think they understand me very well. But you're a fool, Arunima. You think you know me? You don't know anything. I don't need you. You need me to stay alive. So, from now on, whenever you come before me, be careful. Don't make me angry. Remember, your life is a puppet on strings in my hands."
And what were you saying? Ah, yes, that you'll do anything to save the doctor's life... Are you still willing to make a deal with me? Are you still ready to bargain for the doctor's life?"
Arunima's face filled with fear, but she nodded 'yes' for Nisha's sake. Because she could give her life, but not Nisha's. She had to because Nisha had helped her out of humanity.
The moment she nodded, Aastik's face lit up with a devilish grin, and he laughed cruelly, saying, "I like it."
Aastik called Neeraj again on the phone in his hand. He had previously ordered Neeraj to kill the doctor, but now he dialed Neeraj's number again, putting it on speaker, and said, "Neej, there's no need to kill the doctor. Just send her to a place where no one can recognize her. And make sure she has no means to survive. Oh, and erase her memory before leaving her. She'll live like a beggar in an unknown city without money or help."
But Arunima panicked and pleaded, "No, Aastik, please don't do that. Leave her as she is. If you want to send her somewhere, send her, but don't erase her memory. I beg of you. Whatever you say, I'll do it, but spare her."
Aastik looked at her with a sharp gaze and said, "Really? You're willing to stoop this low for the doctor? And you'll do whatever I say?"
Tears streaming down her face, Arunima nodded her head 'yes'. Seeing this, Aastik's devilish grin deepened. He said, "If that's the case, then fine. Fulfill my father's wish. Give my child a birth."
Arunima became helpless. Closing her eyes tightly, she nodded her head in agreement. With her consent, Aastik's smile deepened. He told Neeraj on the phone, "Transfer the doctor to another city. And make sure she doesn't do any trickery."
"Okay, boss," Neeraj said before hanging up.
Aastik stood up, and Arunima sat on the floor, crying uncontrollably. Aastik glared at her and said, "I won't repeat myself. You have two minutes to come to me."
Saying this, Aastik went and sat on the bed. Arunima sat on the floor, watching him. She gathered the bedsheet tightly in her hands and slowly approached Aastik. Her steps were unsteady. Going near the bed seemed like going into the mouth of death.
Her face was filled with tears. She knew her existence was at stake. But she had no other choice.
Slowly, she reached Aastik's side and stood right in front of him. But she still held the bedsheet tightly, as if it could save her from Aastik.
It was just like a drowning person clutching at a straw. Arunima closed her eyes tightly and prepared herself for what was to come.
The next moment, Aastik grabbed her wrist tightly and pulled her. Arunima wasn't prepared for it. She still had the bedsheet clutched in her hands so tightly that when Aastik grabbed her wrist, the bedsheet slipped out of her hands.
She fell directly on Aastik. Aastik wrapped his arms around her and laid her down on the bed. The sheet fell over them, enveloping them.
Aastik held Arunima tightly in his arms. Her eyes were closed. She could feel that her will, her emotions, were all useless. Only Aastik's will would prevail.
For the first time, Aastik saw Arunima so close. Her trembling eyelashes, wet with tears, her quivering lips, and her reddened nose. For a moment, Aastik gazed at Arunima's face. He had never looked at her so carefully before.
Even without makeup, Arunima's face shone like a silver vessel. Her facial structure was perfect. She didn't need kajal; her eyelashes were dense enough. Her lips were so red they made cherries look dull. A small mole adorned her upper lip, just above her nose.
Perhaps for the first time, Aastik saw Arunima in this light. Until now, he hadn't truly seen her, nor had he felt her heart.
He gazed at her for a moment. He didn't quite understand why he was looking at her like this. A light smile appeared on Aastik's face. He said, looking at her with piercing eyes,
"Open your eyes, dear."
Arunima opened her eyes hesitantly and looked at Aastik. Their gazes clashed. Aastik's eyes had lust and madness, while Arunima's had fear and terror.
"Kiss me," Aastik said, his voice low, as he looked into her eyes.
Arunima's eyes widened in shock. She looked at Aastik in fear and horror. Aastik gazed back,
"I won't repeat myself. I don't care if this happens with your consent or not. If I'm going to do it, you won't get a chance. So, do what I say without hesitation."
Arunima trembled. She glanced at Aastik's lips, which had a slight smile. He was waiting for her to kiss him.
Fearfully, Arunima came closer to Aastik and placed her trembling lips on his. She had never done it before. This was her first experience of kissing someone.
Because it was her first time, she didn't know how to kiss. One moment she bit Aastik's lower lip, and the next, his upper lip.
Aastik immediately understood from Arunima's awkward behavior that she didn't know how to kiss. But her biting his lips was enough to inflame Aastik's desires.
When Arunima bit his lip again, Aastik's senses tingled. He bit her lip gently in response.
Arunima suddenly shuddered in pain and looked at Aastik in fear. Aastik smiled and said,
"You don't know how to kiss, do you?"
Arunima's eyelids drooped in shame. She nodded her head slightly in agreement. Aastik's face wore a triumphant smile.
He used one hand to hold her, as his arm was injured. With the other hand, he pressed her cheeks with his fingers, making her lips part like a fish.
Aastik brought her face close and engulfed her lips in his. He kissed her slowly. Arunima was shocked by Aastik's approach.
A few moments later, Aastik suddenly left her lips and smiled at her. Breathing heavily, he said,
"That's how you kiss. Now that I've taught you, kiss me properly this time."
Arunima's breathing accelerated. She didn't quite understand how deeply Aastik was kissing her. She was confused about whether she should do it again.
When Aastik asked her to kiss him again, Arunima hesitantly moved her lips forward and placed them on Aastik's. But when she saw how Aastik had done it, Arunima panicked and didn't know how to react.
Due to the panic, Arunima started biting Aastik's lips and lightly licking them. Aastik was taken aback by her reaction but couldn't help being drawn to it.
Despite trying to pull away, Aastik found himself unable to resist. He held Arunima tighter and kissed her more deeply and intensely.
Arunima had started the kiss, but now Aastik had completely taken over. He was lost in the moment, his senses driven wild by her soft movements.
His both hands wrapped tightly around her waist, and he kissed her with depth and passion. In this moment, Aastik had completely lost himself.
