𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟔|𝐇𝐞'𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧

Author Pov :

She stood frozen, her heart pounding as she heard his deep voice cut through the silence.

"You,"she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

A smirk played on his lips as he took a step closer. "Yes, Butterfly."

Her breath hitched. Instinctively, she stepped back, but before she could create any distance between them, her back met the cold, unforgiving wall.

Panic flared in her eyes as he closed the space between them, caging her in with his strong arms.

His fingers traced the delicate curve of her face, sending shivers down her spine not from pleasure, but from fear.

She felt trapped.

Suffocated.

"You've become even more beautiful, Butterfly,"he murmured, his voice dangerously soft.

His warm breath fanned over her face, making her shrink further into the wall. "You're glowing... so much that it makes me want you so badly to taste you , to fuck you in this your cabin."

Her eyes widened in shock.

A lump formed in her throat as she tried to push him away, but his grip was too strong, his presence too overpowering.

A low chuckle rumbled from his chest as he leaned in closer.

"You know you've been mine since the day I first laid eyes on you , the day we met just then you become my slut ,"he whispered, his lips just inches from her ear.

"So why do you keep running, huh, Butterfly?"

She shook her head, pressing her palms against his chest in a desperate attempt to create space, but he didn't budge.

"I'm your predator, Butterfly." His voice turned husky, his dark eyes drinking in her trembling form.

"And you... you are my prey."

A chill ran down her spine.

"My fucking Butterfly," he continued, his fingers trailing down her arm, making her shudder.

"You can try to escape, but soon... I'll catch you again. And when I do..."He tilted his head, watching her with predatory amusement.

"I'll do so many things to you, which you can never imagine."

Tears burned in her eyes as his words sank deep into her soul, suffocating her with dread.

And then, just as suddenly as he had cornered her, he let go.

She gasped, her legs nearly giving out beneath her.

He stepped back, a smirk still playing on his lips as he watched her broken expression.

"Cry all you want, Butterfly," he said, his voice laced with dark amusement.

"It won't change anything."

And then, he walked away, leaving her alone.

Her body slid down against the wall as silent sobs wracked through her.

She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to shake off the lingering feel of his touch.

But no matter how much she tried, his words echoed in her mind, haunting her.

Soon... I'll catch you again.

As the evening set , She picked up her purse, took a deep breath, and stepped outside the hospital.

The cool breeze brushed against her face as she stood there, waiting.

A part of her was anxious, She was soo hurt today but his action.

Just five minutes later, his car pulled up in front of her.

He rolled down the window and gave her a small smile. Without saying much, she got inside, closing the door behind her.

As he started driving, she leaned back against the seat, staring out of the window.

The city lights passed by in a blur, but she wasn't really seeing them.

Her mind was lost somewhere else, trapped in a spiral of thoughts she couldn't quite grasp.

He glanced at her briefly before speaking."Sweetheart, are you okay? You seem a little lost."

She blinked and turned to him, realizing she hadn't even heard him the first time.

Forcing a small smile, she replied, "It's nothing, Raj."

_______🌷

The car moved smoothly along the road, the soft hum of the engine filling the silence between them.

Raj's one hand remained steady on the steering wheel while the other rested possessively on her thigh.

His sharp gaze flickered toward her, studying her face, her eyes those deep, expressive eyes that held unspoken words.

"Jaan, aap janti hai na apki yeh narmi si ankho ko mei padh skta hu , or bta skta hu ki aap humse kuch chupa Rahi hai ?"he murmured, his voice smooth yet firm.

"Jaan, you know that I can read the softness in your eyes, and I can tell that you're hiding something from me."

Saanvi stiffened, her fingers slightly curling into the fabric of her dress.

She didn't meet his eyes, choosing instead to stare outside the window as an internal battle raged within her.

"Raj, I want to tell you everything about my past... but what if you judge me? What if you leave me?" she thought, the fear clawing at her heart.

Him, however, was no fool.

He knew her too well to miss the hesitation, the way her breathing hitched for a mere second.

"Jaan."His voice was firmer this time, laced with silent demand.

"Mein kuch puch rha hu apse."

" Jaan , I'm asking you something?

She snapped out of her thoughts, forcing a small hum in acknowledgment.

"Hmm?"

He narrowed his eyes, sensing her deflection. But before he could press further, she quickly changed the topic.

"Waise , Raj pata hai apko maine bohot saari surgeries ki or kafi logo ko bachya bhi ," she said, her voice lighter, forcing a small smile.

"By the way, Raj, do you know that I performed many surgeries today and saved several lives?"

He exhaled deeply, letting her win this time.

"Just the Same jaan , you saved lives and I take them ," he whispered, his warm breath fanning her skin.

She widen her eyes.

And he chuckled then at her reaction.

But Raj wasn't blind and he knew that she just changed the topic to not asking anymore questions.

And She was still hiding something.

Now , he was going to find out one way or another.

_____🌷

Rajveer’s POV

I didn't head straight to my room as soon as I got home. There was something I needed to take care of first.

Pulling out my phone, I dialed a number, my fingers tightening around the device as the call connected.

"Hello," I said, my voice laced with authority, while my free hand rested inside the pocket of my pants.

"Yes, sir," came Abhimaan's crisp response from the other side of the line.

"Check today's hospital CCTV footage. I want every single detail of who came and went." My jaw clenched as I spoke, my grip tightening around the phone.

There was something unsettling about today that after dropping her hospital she so much lonely, a nagging feeling at the back of my mind that I just couldn't shake off.

And I wasn't the type to ignore this instincts.

Abhimaan didn't question it. He never did.

"Understood, sir," he said.

"Good," I muttered before ending the call.

With that taken care of, I finally made my way to my room.

The room was silent, except for the faint ticking of the clock and the distant murmurs of the night beyond the windows.

My gaze lingered on the empty bed, the slight crease on the sheets the only proof that she had been here.

But she wasn't.

A frown tugged at my brows as my eyes swept across the room.

Where was she?

The air smelled faintly of her the soft scent of jasmine and something undeniably "her's". My jaw clenched as unease curled inside me.

And then, I heard it.

The faint sound of water.

My head snapped toward the bathroom door. The steady rhythm of droplets splashing against the tiles reached my ears, a quiet yet clear indication that she was inside.

So she was in the washroom.

Exhaling, I ran a hand through my hair and turned toward the sofa, my muscles slowly relaxing. But just as I was about to sit-

Click.

The sound of the bathroom door unlocking echoed in the quiet room.

And then, she stepped out.

My breath hitched.

She stood there, steam curling around her like an ethereal veil, her damp hair cascading over her shoulders in dark, silken waves.

Droplets of water clung to her skin, catching the dim light like scattered stars in a dark room.

A fluffy towel was wrapped tightly around her body, but it barely covered enough, slipping slightly from one shoulder, teasing me with a glimpse of her collarbone.

I swallowed hard.

She hadn't noticed me yet.

She was rubbing another towel over her damp hair, completely unaware of the way my eyes darkened, tracing every inch of her. The way her lips were slightly parted, her cheeks flushed from the warmth of the shower-it did things to me.

Dangerous things.

I leaned forward, my elbows resting on my knees as I watched her, unable to look away.

Then, as if sensing my gaze, she finally lifted her head.

Our eyes met.

Her steps halted.

Her breath caught.

For a moment, neither of us moved.

Then, her fingers tightened around the edge of the towel, pulling it more securely around her body. But that only made my smirk deepen.

"Did I... interrupt something?" I murmured, my voice lower than usual, rough with something unspoken.

Her eyes widened slightly before narrowing. "I didn't know you were back."

"I've been here for a while," I said, standing up, taking slow, deliberate steps toward her.

"Waiting."

A flicker of something crossed her face nervousness, anticipation, maybe both.

"You -you should have said something." Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"But then I wouldn't have gotten this view, jaan," I murmured, stopping just inches away.

My fingers brushed against a damp strand of hair that clung to her cheek, tucking it behind her ear.

She shivered.

Not from the cold.

Her eyes dropped to my lips for just a second, and that was all it took.

A low chuckle rumbled from my chest.

"Careful, sweetheart," I warned, voice husky.

________🌷

Saanvi’s POV

Oh, damn it.

So he was here.

This whole time.

The realization sent a jolt through me, making my steps falter for a second. He had been sitting there, watching me, while I had taken my shower, completely unaware of his presence.

My heart thumped a little louder against my ribs, and I swallowed, trying to calm the sudden nervousness creeping up my spine.

The towel wrapped around me felt even smaller now, barely covering enough, clinging to my damp skin as I walked toward the closet, my fingers itching to grab a nightwear suit and put some distance between us.

"Did you eat your dinner?" I asked casually, not turning around, hoping-praying-that he'd just answer and let me go.

But instead of a verbal reply, I heard him move.

And before I could even reach the closet, a firm hand wrapped around my wrist, pulling me back in one swift motion.

A gasp escaped my lips as I stumbled, only to find myself colliding against something solid.

Him.

Oh, God.

I was pressed up against Rajveer's hard chest, and the towel was the only thing separating me from his warmth.

My breath hitched, my fingers instinctively pressing against his chest to push him away, but his grip only tightened, his arm snaking around my waist, pulling me even closer.

I glared up at him, but he of course looked completely unbothered, his dark, intense eyes watching me with something unreadable.

"Raj ji, leave me," I muttered, my voice carrying the exhaustion of the entire day.

I wasn't in the mood for this after everything that had happened today at the hospital.

Samrat warning, and his rage.

It was too much.

Too overwhelming.

But he didn't care.

Instead, he let out a slow, amused exhale, his fingers lazily reaching for his tie, and before I could understand what he was doing, he unbuttoned it then took my wrists and wrapped the silky fabric around them.

I froze.

What the-

"Raj ji," I snapped, my voice sharp, my glare turning deadly as I tried to pull away.

"Leave me, na I told you to eat your dinner-"

Before I could finish, his hand moved.

And then-

His middle finger pressed against my lips.

I stopped breathing.

The touch was gentle, almost teasing, yet it shut me up completely. His gaze flickered to my lips, dark and unreadable, as if he was memorizing them, as if he was daring me to say another word.

"Shh, jaan," he murmured, voice low and rough, making my stomach twist.

"You're talking too much."

His thumb brushed over my lower lip, and I swallowed hard, my body betraying me, my breath uneven as warmth spread across my skin.

"You're still overthinking about today," he whispered, his lips hovering just above my ear, sending shivers down my spine. "Aren't you?"

I clenched my jaw, refusing to answer, refusing to give in to the way my heart was pounding so damn loud in my chest.

His fingers tilted my chin up, forcing me to meet his eyes.

"Forget about it," he murmured, his forehead resting against mine, his voice dripping with something dangerous.

"For now... just focus on me."

On your husband.

His eyes were on me. Unwavering.

Searching.

I could feel the weight of his gaze, heavy with unspoken questions, piercing through the silence that stretched between us like an unbreakable thread.

My hands fidgeted slightly, the towel still wrapped tightly around me, but even that couldn't shield me from the intensity of his stare.

"So tell me," Raj's voice was low, laced with a dangerous edge, "what are you hiding from me?"

My breath hitched.

How could I tell him?

How could I put into words the fear that was clawing at my chest, the ghost of my past that had suddenly resurfaced, threatening to shatter the fragile peace I had built with him?

How could I tell him that someone from my past was not just watching from the shadows but was trying to claim me as if I still belonged to him?

I swallowed the lump in my throat and shook my head.

No.

Raj exhaled sharply, tilting his head slightly as he studied me.

He didn't believe me.

His patience was thin, especially when it came to my safety.

His fingers flexed at his sides before he took a slow step toward me.

"Fine," he muttered, his voice carrying a knowing tone. He didn't push further-for now.

But then, just as my shoulders started to relax, his next words caught me off guard.

"Bhook lagi hai tumhe, jaan?"

"Are you hungry, Jaan?"

The sudden change in topic made me blink. My brows furrowed as I looked up at him.

What?

I shook my head again.

No.

Raj sighed as if my answer disappointed him, but his eyes held something else-something playful, something darkly teasing.

His lips curled into a smirk as he took another step closer.

"Agar khana nahi khayogi aap," he murmured, his voice dropping an octave, "toh hum apko pakka kha lenge fir."

"If you don't eat your food, then I'll definitely eat you up instead."

A shiver ran down my spine.

His words were a threat-a promise-and the way his eyes darkened sent heat crawling up my neck.

My heart was already hammering from his closeness, from the way he was cornering me without even touching me.

But I wasn't in the mood for this.

Not tonight.

Not when my mind was a tangled mess of fear and unanswered questions.

I took a slow breath, trying to steady my voice.

"Raj, sach main bhook nahi hai," I told him, my tone softer now. I looked up, meeting his eyes with quiet insistence.

"Aapko khana hai toh aap khao."

"Raj, honestly, I'm not hungry. If you're hungry, then you eat."

He didn't respond immediately.

Instead, his gaze locked onto mine, searching again, as if he could peel back the layers I was so desperately trying to hold together.

I refused to break.

Before he could say another word, I turned away and stepped inside the closet.

I needed space.

I needed air.

But more than anything-I needed to figure out how to tell him the truth before it was too late.

Author pov

The only sounds were the soft hum of the air conditioner and the distant ticking of the clock, marking the passing of another late hour.

It was 11 PM-too late for dinner, yet early for sleep in his world.

Everyone else had already retired to their rooms, lost in their dreams, but he wasn't ready to rest just yet.

His wife hadn't eaten, and that was unacceptable.

With slow, deliberate movements, He made his way downstairs to the kitchen.

He didn't need the help of the servants-not for this. He grabbed a plate, serving her favorite dishes with practiced ease. His movements were unhurried, his mind replaying the events of the evening-the way she had avoided his questions, the hesitation in her eyes.

She was hiding something.

But right now, food was the priority.

Balancing the plate in one hand, he made his way back to their room. As soon as he stepped inside, his gaze landed on her.

She was sitting by the table, lost in thought, staring at something in her hands.

His eyes softened for a fraction of a second before he locked the door behind him. The soft shutting of the door made her turn, her eyes meeting his as she blinked, as if shaken from deep contemplation.

Raj placed the plate on the table, but before he could say anything, she spoke first.

"Sune,Can I take off this chooda? They're causing rashes on my skin."

Her voice was soft, almost hesitant, as she lifted her hands to show him the red marks on her wrists from the traditional bangles she had been wearing since their wedding.

Rajveer's gaze darkened. Not with anger-but with something far more dangerous.

A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he took a slow step toward her, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat. His eyes never left hers as he leaned down slightly, his voice dropping to a husky murmur.

"Yes, you can take them off... but wear it ,when I will fuck you, sweetheart."

Her eyes widened instantly, a deep blush crawling up her neck.

"Aap bohut gnde or besharam ho Raj ," she mumbled under her breath, her voice barely above a whisper.

" Itna beshram hu tho sudhar do na jaan ." His tone was teasing, his smirk widening.

"Ohh god , you're impossible," she shot back quickly, averting her gaze, her fingers playing with the bangles.

He chuckled lowly. "Hmm, toh idhar aao jaan... yaha baitho."

"Hmm, so come here, Jaan... sit here."

His voice was smooth as silk, yet laced with a command that made her pulse quicken. He patted his thigh, his dark eyes gleaming with mischief.

She crossed her arms, shaking her head. "Main udhar nahi baithungi."

"I won't sit there."

Raj raised an eyebrow, amused by her defiance. "Ohh, acha? But main toh apko apni godh mein baithunga, jaan."

Saanvi stood before him, her arms crossed over her chest, her lips pressing into a thin line as she narrowed her eyes at him.

The gentle pout of annoyance on her face only made her look more adorable in his eyes, but she was far from amused.

"Aapko nahi lagta aaj kal aap hume kaafi zyada tang kar rahe hai?"she asked, her voice laced with mock irritation.

Rajveer leaned back slightly, his dark eyes twinkling with mischief as he took in the sight of his wife trying to act all stern.

He had always loved teasing her, pushing her buttons just enough to see her react. The way her brows furrowed, the way she bit her lower lip in frustration-it was a sight he could never get enough of.

He took a slow step forward, closing the distance between them, his deep, husky voice dropping to a whisper as he said, "Ek hi toh noor hai hamari jindagi, ab use bhala nhi chedenge toh jinda kaise rhenge".

There was something about the way he said it-possessive yet tender, teasing yet filled with an undeniable warmth-that made her heart skip a beat.

Saanvi tried to maintain her stern expression, but the way he was looking at her, his gaze dark and intense, made her resolve waver.

Rajveer smirked, knowing he had won.

He reached out, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering just a moment longer than necessary.

"Aur waise bhi," he continued, his voice like silk against her senses, "Agar aapse thoda sa bhi door rahe, toh saans lena mushkil ho jata hai."

Saanvi's breath hitched. He always did this-turned her frustration into flustered silence, melted her anger with just a few words.

And the worst part?

He knew exactly what he was doing.

She huffed, turning away, but he was quicker. His strong arms wrapped holding her wrist.

"Raj, chhodiye na" she protested weakly, though they both knew she wasn't really trying to escape.

He chuckled, pressing a soft kiss against her shoulder. "Kabhi nahi jaan , aap humri zindagi mei aa tho gyi hai lekin khayal rakhiyega , hum apke liye apni jaan de skte hai magar apko jaane nhi denge ," he murmured, his lips brushing against her skin.

And just like that, her irritation was long forgotten.

Raj smirked at her reaction before reaching for the plate. He picked up a piece of food and brought it to her lips.

"Now open your mouth," he said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

"I'm not hungry. Why are you not listening to me?" she huffed, turning her face away stubbornly.

His jaw tightened slightly, his fingers gripping her chin gently but firmly, forcing her to look at him.

"Jaan," his voice dropped an octave, laced with something dangerously possessive, "I'm not going to repeat myself.

Open your damn mouth."

She knew that look.

There was no use fighting him

when he was like this.

Stubborn

Swallowing her sigh, she hesitantly parted her lips.

Raj slid the food inside her mouth, watching her closely as she chewed, satisfaction flickering across his face when she obeyed.

She finished the bite, then looked at him, her voice softening. "Aap bhi khao na."

His lips curled into a slow smirk, his gaze locked onto hers. "Agar aap khilayegi toh pakka khaoonga... Vo bhi apke pyaare sundar ,haathon se."

A deep blush spread across her cheeks at his words.

Raj never missed a chance to make her heart race.

She hesitated for only a second before picking up a piece of food with her fingers, bringing it up to his lips.

He didn't break eye contact as he parted his lips, taking the bite from her hand, his tongue lightly grazing her fingertips in the process.

Her breath hitched.

Raj smirked.

He loved the effect he had on her.

The night stretched on, wrapping the world in a quiet, intimate stillness. Their room was dimly lit, the warm glow of the bedside lamp casting soft shadows across the walls.

The remnants of their dinner sat on the table, forgotten, as Saanvi leaned back against the plush headboard, her fingers absentmindedly scrolling through her phone.

She wasn't paying much attention-just casually watching reels, flicking past videos, until one caught her interest.

A bodybuilder.

Then another.

And another.

Her lips curled slightly in amusement as she watched the heavily built men flaunt their sculpted physiques. The way they flexed, their muscles rippling under bright gym lights, their confidence radiating through the screen-it was entertaining, nothing more.

Or at least, she thought so.

What she didn't realize was that she was being watched.

Rajveer had been observing her for the past few minutes, his gaze dark and unreadable as he leaned against the couch, one hand resting on his thigh while the other absentmindedly toyed with the edge of his t shirt.

His jaw ticked as his sharp eyes followed the way her attention stayed glued to the screen, the way her thumb swiped up to watch yet another video of a shirtless man flexing his abs.

His eyes narrowed.

Not on her.

But on the damn men on her screen.

The audacity.

He let out a quiet, deep exhale through his nose, his muscles tensing.

The flickering light from her phone reflected in his eyes, fueling the slow-burning irritation that curled in his chest.

And then-

As if sensing the weight of his gaze, she paused.

Her fingers stopped scrolling, her body stiffened for a fraction of a second before she turned her head, her eyes meeting his darkened ones.

A slow, teasing smile tugged at her lips. "Aise kya ghur rahe ho aap?"

Her voice was light, teasing-but he wasn't amused.

His smirk was slow, almost dangerous as he tilted his head. "Yeh dekh raha hoon ki jab main shirtless hota hoon, tab aap apni aankhein bandh kar leti hain... par yaha aap " he trailed off, letting the words hang between them, his eyes flicking pointedly to her phone.

She blinked, then bit her lower lip to suppress a laugh.

So that's what this is about.

Before she could say anything, he took a step closer.

Then another.

And then without warning-he sank down beside her on the bed, resting his head on her lap as if he belonged there, as if this was the most natural thing in the world.

Her breath hitched slightly at the unexpected move, but she didn't push him away. Instead, she sighed softly, switching off her phone before slipping her fingers into his thick, slightly tousled hair.

Raj closed his eyes at her touch, his muscles relaxing almost instantly.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

The tension from earlier slowly dissipated into something calmer, something softer.

As she stroked his hair, feeling the weight of the day's exhaustion leaving both their bodies, a thought crossed her mind.

And then, she broke the silence.

"Ek baat bolu?" Her voice was gentle, her fingers continuing their soothing movements.

Raj didn't open his eyes, but the corner of his lips lifted into a small, lazy smirk. "Bas bolti jayo jaan mei tumhe hi suna chahta hu."

A giggle escaped her lips, light and sweet, chasing away the heaviness that had clouded her mind earlier.

She didn't realize it before, but with each passing second, she was slowly forgetting the accident, the lingering fear from earlier fading away in his presence.

He had that effect on her.

Safe.

Warm.

Untouchable.

She took a breath, smiling to herself as she asked, "Aapko kya pasand hai, Raj?"

Her voice was soft, curious.

She wanted to know him.

The little things, the hidden things-the pieces of him that he didn't always reveal so easily.

At her question, Raj's eyes finally fluttered open, and he looked up at her.

And then, with a slow, knowing smile, he murmured,

Jaante hue bhi anjan bnati hai aap ,

Iss tarah swal puch kar hume parshan krti hai ,

Or fir puchti hai hume kya pasand hai ,

Jawab khudh hi hai aap jaan, or swal puchti hai .

She smiled and kissed his temple.

And then he kissed her knuckles.

As they talked and then soon they both drifted off to sleep.

_____🌷

~ Morning

I descended the stairs, the faint sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway, and then-

I saw him.

Raj

My husband.

Walking out of the gym, his body glistening with sweat, every inch of him looking so devastatingly mine.

His damp black hair clung to his forehead, the loose grey joggers hanging low on his sculpted waist, revealing those delicious V-cut abs that made my fingers twitch with the need to touch him. His muscular chest heaved as he wiped his face with a towel, oblivious to the way my gaze devoured him whole.

God, he's too damn sexy.

Too sinful.

Too mine.

A shiver crawled down my spine as desire curled in my stomach, making my legs weak. Every drop of sweat rolling down his body felt like an invitation-a silent, torturous tease that only I should be allowed to witness.

And then-she walked out.

Ishani.

This bitch, I hate her.

My mood instantly darkened, my hands curling into fists at my sides as my gaze snapped toward her.

She strutted out of the gym like she owned the place, her shorts way too short, her tank top clinging to her figure in a way that made my blood boil.

Why the hell is she dressed like that? In my house?

Her high ponytail bounced as she moved, her face glowing with the aftermath of her workout. But what made my patience snap was the way her eyes landed on Rajveer

My Raj

and stayed there for far too long.

Oh, you've got to be kidding me.

She smiled at him.

A slow, appreciative smile.

And that was it. That was all it took for something dark, something possessive, to awaken inside me.

I didn't like the way she looked at him.

I hated the way she looked at him.

Rage burned in my veins as I watched the scene unfold in slow motion. Her gaze lingering, her body language too open, too inviting.

And he?

He simply nodded at her-acknowledgingher presence.

That was it.

No unnecessary smiles, no interest. Just a simple, distant nod.

But that didn't matter.

Because she was still standing too close.

My nails dug into my palms as jealousy slithered through me like a venomous snake, poisoning every rational thought I had left.

She giggled. "Raj, you were amazing in the gym today. Seriously, your stamina is insane."

Stamina?

My breath hitched, my fury rising to dangerous levels. Did she just-?

Oh, hell no.

Before Rajveer could respond, before she could flutter her lashes at my husband again, I moved.

I walked away seeing this , I won't talk to him .

The aroma of incense filled the air as I descended the grand staircase, my eyes taking in the flurry of activity around me.

The household was abuzz with preparations for Maha Shivaratri, the sacred festival that held immense significance in our traditions. The maids scurried about, meticulously decorating the mandir with fresh marigold garlands, while others arranged silver plates filled with sweets and offerings. The rhythmic chants of mantras played softly in the background, creating a serene yet festive atmosphere.

Amidst the hustle, I spotted Mummy Ji approaching, a warm smile gracing her face as she carried a silver tray in her hands. Two maids followed closely behind, their hands also occupied with ritualistic items.

She extended the tray towards me, her voice laced with affection.

"Beta, yeh shagun hai. Kal Maha Shivaratri hai na, toh naye bahu ke darze se tumhe yeh dena chah rahi hoon," she said, her tone brimming with maternal warmth.

I accepted the tray with a soft smile, my fingers brushing against the cold metal as I admired the delicate arrangement of betel leaves, vermillion, and sweets placed on it.

Just as I was about to respond, a familiar deep voice echoed through the air. My entire body tensed in reflex.

Him.

My so-called husband.

He strode into the living room, his phone pressed to his ear, his expression a perfect blend of authority and indifference.

Arrogant jerk. I hated the way he carried himself as if the entire world should bow before him.

Akdu gadha-a title he truly deserved.

Thank God Bua Ji wasn't home today. She had left for the temple with Chachi, meaning I wouldn't have to tolerate her constant scrutiny or intrusive remarks.

I turned on my heels, my intention clear-to avoid him at all costs. But as I placed my foot on the first step, his voice rang out, firm yet laced with an intimacy that made my breath hitch.

"Jaan."

I ignored him, pretending I hadn't heard a thing.

But he was never the one to be ignored.

The room had emptied as the family and staff had moved to the backyard, leaving just the two of us in the vast living area. I barely had a moment to process before I felt his presence behind me close, too close.

His scent an intoxicating mix of woodsy musk and power wrapped around me, making it impossible to ignore him. My heartbeat quickened as I felt the heat radiating from his body.

"Hume andekha kar rahi ho aap," his voice was a husky murmur, a dangerous edge laced in his words. "Aur ab sun bhi nahi rahi ho?"

I sucked in a breath, taking a deliberate step back to maintain the distance.

I couldn't let him win.

Not again.

"Main aapse naraz hoon,"I said firmly, my gaze shifting to the side, refusing to meet his piercing stare.

But He was never one to accept rejection.

Before I could react, he moved swift and calculated. In a blink, he had me pinned against the wall at the curve of the staircase, his tall, domineering frame caging me in. The cool marble pressed against my back, contrasting sharply with the searing heat .

The shagun thali slipped from my fingers, the contents spilling onto the floor with a soft clatter. But I barely registered it. My mind was too clouded by the intensity in his dark, unreadable eyes.

"kamre mein , chalo" he whispered, his breath fanning against my skin as his lips brushed against the sensitive column of my neck. "Saari narazgi nikalta hoon."

A shiver ran down my spine.

Shameless man

I gasped, my hands pressing against his chest in an attempt to push him away. "Chi ,Hadh hoti hai besharmi ki".

He smirked, that devilish smirk that sent warning bells through my body. And before I could resist further, he lifted me into his arms effortlessly, his grip possessive and unwavering.

"Raj ,Put me down , or I'm going to scream" I hissed, struggling in his hold, but it was futile.

But he was stubborn.

And then said with a smirked on his lips " But I will give you a real scream when I will devour your whole body inch by inch ".

I smacked his biceps.

With each powerful stride, he carried me up the grand staircase, his arms tightening around me as if daring me to fight him. The soft jingle of my payal echoed through the silent hallway, the sound intertwining with my racing heartbeat.

He kicked the door open, the force making it swing wide, revealing the dimly lit expanse of our bedroom. Without missing a beat, he strode inside and unceremoniously tossed me onto the plush mattress.

Before I could sit up, he was on top of me , His eyes blazed with an intensity that made my breath hitch, his grip firm yet tantalizing as he pinned my wrists above my head.

"Ab bolo, Jaan," he drawled, his lips dangerously close to mine, "abhi bhi naraz ho?"

My pulse pounded as I glared at him, refusing to give in to his dominance.

But I knew better.

And then I pushed him but his grip was too tight and then without any wasting any minute his lips smashed on mine.

______🌷

~ On the day of Maha Shivaratri🌷

SAANVI POV:

I stood downstairs, waiting for him, draped in a beautiful red Banarasi saree with a thick golden lace on it. The rich fabric clung to my saree, its intricate golden embroidery shimmering under the soft morning light.

We were heading to the Shiv temple, a place of peace and devotion, yet my mind was anything but calm.

Tanvi and Ishika soon arrived, dressed in their carefully chosen outfits, ready for the temple visit. I had called them asking them to come along.

I needed them by my side today. Diya was busy with her semester exams, and Kiara had her own commitments, so they couldn't make it.

But Tanvi and Ishika were here, and their presence alone made me feel slightly better.

Just then, the air around me shifted. Bua Ji arrived, her sharp eyes scanning me with disapproval, and beside her stood Esha, along with Ishani-the woman I had long since learned not to trust.

Ishani was as cunning as ever, her smirk barely concealed as she eyed me up and down. I could already sense trouble brewing.

Bua Ji's gaze landed on my bare wrists, devoid of the traditional red and white bangles chooda that newlyweds were expected to wear. Her face twisted in shock and anger, and before I could prepare myself, she lashed out.

"Saanvi, why aren't you wearing your chooda? You're a newlywed It hasn't even been that long since your wedding, and here you are, roaming around like this" she scolded, her voice loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.

She turned slightly, her expression filled with contempt as she muttered under her breath, "I don't know what kind of girl Bhabhi has chosen for Raj. Such a disgrace."

The words stung, but I refused to react. I knew Tanvi and Ishika wouldn't let it slide they had always been protective of me. I saw them straighten, ready to respond, but I quickly raised my hand to stop them.

I didn't want an argument, especially not here, not now.

And then, before I could say anything, his voice cut through the tension like a blade.

"If you say anything wrong about my wife," Raj said, his tone dangerously calm, "I will cut your tongue and rearrange your teeth, Bua Ji."

Silence fell in the room.

He was wearing a crisp white kurta that accentuated his broad shoulders, making him look devilishly tempting. His jet-black hair was neatly gelled back, adding to his effortlessly charismatic aura.

On one wrist, he wore his signature watch, a symbol of his power and precision, while his other hand firmly held his phone, his fingers lazily scrolling as if nothing in the world could shake his composed demeanor. His presence was magnetic—intimidating yet irresistibly alluring.

A slow smirk played on his lips as he turned to glance at me, his eyes filled with something unreadable. For a moment, I forgot the weight of the morning, the anxiety in my chest, and the judgmental gazes around me.

Raj had spoken, and with just a few words, he had silenced them all.

Just as the tension in the air settled, Mummy Ji arrived with Chachi Ji, their presence shifting the focus of the moment. "Chale ab?"

Mummy Ji asked, her tone firm yet gentle, signaling that it was time to leave for the temple.

We all nodded in agreement and began making our way to the car. As I was about to sit next to Raj, settling into my usual place, Ishani's voice interrupted me.

"Saanvi, can I please sit here? I feel dizzy and nauseous when I sit in the back," she said, her voice laced with fake innocence.

Before I could respond, Esha chimed in, as if she had been waiting for this opportunity. "Oh yes, you should sit in the front, Ishi.

Bhabhi won't mind, right?" She turned to me with a knowing smirk, almost daring me to protest.

For a moment, I considered arguing, but I caught Raj's expression. He remained silent, not bothering to acknowledge Ishani's request or my reaction.

A wave of frustration rose in me.

If he didn't care, why should I?

Without a word, I stepped back and took a seat in the back of the car beside Tanvi. Inside Raj's car, the five of us were packed together me, Tanvi, Ishani, Ishika, and, of course, Raj in the driver's seat.

The air inside the car felt heavy, but I chose to stay quiet. My frustration with Raj was simmering beneath the surface.

and now, with the way he handled-or rather, ignored-this situation, my irritation only grew.

Still, I refused to show it. I ignored him completely, keeping my gaze fixed outside the window.

If he wasn't going to acknowledge my feelings, then I had no reason to entertain him either.

But then, I felt it-the weight of his gaze on me. Even as he drove, he kept glancing at me through the rearview mirror. His eyes lingered, searching for a reaction, some sign of what was going on in my mind.

I tried my best to remain indifferent, to not give him the satisfaction of knowing how much his presence affected me. But when I finally met his gaze in the mirror, something in his eyes made my heart skip a beat.

A deep blush crept up my cheeks, betraying me completely. I hated how he had this effect on me even when I was upset.

But no matter how much I blushed under his stare, inside, I was still angry with him.

The moment we arrived at the Shiv temple, an overwhelming wave of nausea hit me.

My stomach churned, my head felt light, and I regretted skipping my meals over the past few days. Between my hospital duties and everything that had been weighing on my mind, I had barely taken care of myself.

Before I could steady myself, my knees wobbled, and my vision blurred for a split second. I reached out to hold onto something, but before I could even think about falling, strong arms wrapped around me.

In one swift motion, Raj lifted me into his arms, his grip firm yet gentle.

Gasps and murmurs filled the air as people around us turned to watch. My face heated up instantly as I realized the scene we were creating.

"Put me down now ," I whispered, embarrassed by all the attention.

But he didn't listen.

And tanvi and ishika were buzy in taking pictures of mine and him .

They are such a bad friends.

Without a word, he carried me up the temple steps, completely unbothered by the onlookers. His expression was unreadable, yet his actions spoke volumes.

By the time we reached the top, my face was burning with a deep blush. He finally set me down gently, his hands lingering just a second longer before letting go. I refused to meet his gaze, afraid that if I did, he'd see just how much he affected me.

The temple was serene, filled with the soothing scent of incense and the soft echoes of prayers. The atmosphere calmed me, and for a moment, I forgot everything else the tension, the misunderstandings, the silent arguments.

We stood together for the aarti, the rhythmic chants of the priest filling the air as the flames of the sacred lamp flickered in front of us.

As the aarti concluded, the pandit ji turned toward us, his expression warm and knowing.

"Aap dono ke jeevan mein ek bahut badi khushi aane wali hai," he announced, his voice carrying an unmistakable tone of certainty.

A big happiness was coming into our lives?

_______🌷