Aarav runs a hand across the desk. “Nice furniture." He comments, admiring the desk, and I almost roll my eyes.
"Bet you thought you were untouchable, huh?”
“You’re nothing but criminals,” Ranveer spits, furiously.
“SO ARE YOU!” I shout, grabbing his collar. “She was a fucking child!”
“A child!” My voice echoes in the air, and tension thickens the atmosphere.
“A stupid one,” he smirks. “My biggest mistake. Should’ve killed her when I had the chance.”
Something inside me snaps the moment he lets out the words, and my grip on his collar tightens. “Don’t you dare talk about her like that.”
“What are you going to do?” He smirks at me as he mocks me. “Kill me?”
I take a deep breath, trying to contain the beast clawing at my insides, and jerk him away. “You’ll regret it.” My words come out in a warning, but he stays clearly unaffected.
This useless piece of trash will know very soon who he is messing with.
“Oh please,” he scoffs, “you’re all bark.”
He falters slightly but still tries to hold his ground.
“We’re not here to scare you,” I say, my voice low, lethal, and calm. “We’re here to send a message.”
Air shifts around us, and Aarav backs away from the desk, waiting for me to complete my words. I would have killed Ranveer, but no, Shivani deserves revenge, not grief. She wasn't happy when I took her mother's share; she won't be happy about what I am about to do to her father. But sooner or later she has to learn about this: that love goes beyond respect; it comes with protection, too.
“What message?”
“That I will do anything—anything—to protect what’s mine.” I yank his hair, forcing him to look at me. “The same fear you made her live in... I’ll make sure you experience it too.”
Aarav pulls out a knife and stabs it deep into Ranveer’s thigh. His scream fills the room—it’s a sound that weirdlysoothes my soul as the blood splatters from the wounds, flowing down on the floor.
“You think you’re tough?” I whisper, leaning in. “Think about the child you hit.”
The door bursts open before I can do anything else. Meera steps in and freezes at the sight. Aarav smirks and slides a chair her way with his foot.
“Come, have a seat. We’re just having a friendly chat,” he says, a mocking smile forming on his way.
Meera gulps and enters slowly, eyes darting. Fear sits heavy on her shoulder; she is terrified. That's good for her. “Close the door,” I command, and she obeys, her steps shaky.
“You see, our mothers taught us not to raise our hands on women,” Aarav begins, circling her. “But you? You hurt my bhabhi. She’s like a sister to me.” He grabs Meera’s jaw; her eyes widen as she winces. “And I don’t spare people who hurt my family. I believe in revenge.”
“Please,” she whispers, voice trembling, as she tries to get out of his hold. He lets go of her face, then slaps her hard. Fear and disbelief shine in her eyes as she sobs.
“Look at you. Weak. Pathetic. But you pretend to be powerful,” I grin at them, a menacing smile forming on my face, while Aarav laughs coldly.
“I’m sorry. Please... you don’t understand—” Meera tries, trying to get unscathed, but she should know better than this.
“You’re mistaken, Meera. I’m not interested in your sorrys,” I hiss at her and glare at her. “My wife? She’s been too kind. She begged me not to hurt you.” Slowly, I pull the knife out of Ranveer’s leg. Blood sprays onto my shirt. Fuck, that’sgoing to stain. Shivani’s going to ask questions. But instead of worrying about that, I stab the blade back in.
Ranveer howls in pain. His cry— a satisfaction to my soul.
“I’m not doing anything,” I say, looking at Aarav. “ Am I right, Aarav? I’m just obeying my wife.” He better not snitch. I don't think he will, considering Shivani might be upset with all this, but I have to make sure.
“Now let’s tell them what’s next.” I gesture to Aarav, and he smiles as he tells me.
“Thanks for the honor, bhai, but I think you should do it. It’s the fun part,” he grins.
