Mumbai
Jannat Villa
Falak's Room
Falak, visibly irritated this time, snapped at Vihaan, "Why do you always force things on me? I've already told youâI'm really busy, and I can't just leave the house without informing my family. Please try to understand!" She let out a deep sigh, frustration evident in her voice.
Without waiting for a response, she grabbed her phone and quickly dialed one of her friends. As soon as the call connected, she spoke in a hushed but urgent tone, "Listen, I need you to call my house this evening and tell them that you're having a party at your place." Her friend, sensing the seriousness in her voice, didn't question her and simply agreed. After talking for a few more minutes, Falak ended the call.
As soon as she put her phone down, she ran a tired hand through her hair and exhaled sharply, mumbling to herself, "No matter what happens today, I have to break up with Vihaan. This has become a daily drama, and I can't keep deceiving my family because of him. What a disgusting man..." Her voice was laced with determination, yet there was an underlying exhaustion.
With that, she walked over to her wardrobe and began looking for a dress to wear. Every fiber of her being resisted the idea of going out with Vihaan tonight, but she had no choice. Just one last time, she told herself.
But unlike every other time, today would be different. Today, she had made up her mindâno matter what, she was going to end things with Vihaan once and for all.
Shekhawat Industries
Rudraksh was sitting in his chair when Max placed a file in front of him and said, "Goldie's brother is still not backing off. He attempted to attack you again. I think it's time you get rid of him for good."
Rudraksh leaned back slightly, his expression calm and unreadable. "Tell me something new, Max. This is getting old now. Let him try as much as he wants. After all, kids should be given the chance to play, shouldn't they?" His voice was laced with amusement, but there was an underlying menace beneath his words. He tapped his fingers rhythmically on the desk before looking at Max with a knowing smirk. "I'll make my move when the time is right. And you already know what kind of move that will be, don't you?"
Max gave a small nod, acknowledging the weight of his words. Then, hesitantly, he added, "Sir... Sofia Ma'am's parents have been looking for her. They are desperate to meet her. What should be done?"
Rudraksh let out a slow breath, tilting his head back against the chair. "Send Sofia's body to her home. And make sure it looks like a suicide."
A moment of silence passed before Max spoke again, this time cautiously. "Sir, if I may ask... why did you kill Sofia Ma'am? I mean, I know I don't have the right to question you, but still..."
Rudraksh's gaze turned cold as he cut him off sharply. "You're rightâyou don't have the right. Conversation over. No more questions."
Max immediately lowered his head. "I'm sorry, sir."
Rudraksh, however, wasn't finished. He leaned forward slightly, his voice steady but carrying an unmistakable weight. "When a relationship becomes toxic, when it forgets the difference between right and wrong, when it turns into an obstacle rather than a bondâit's better to end it."
Max hesitated before responding in a near whisper, "Ending a relationship is understandable, sir. But... you killed her."
Rudraksh chuckled darkly. "She wouldn't have stopped otherwise. First, her love was for me. Then, her love became an obsession to have me. That, Max, is something I do not tolerate."
Max swallowed hard before daring to ask, "Sir... if someday Haya Ma'amâ"
He hadn't even finished his sentence when Rudraksh pulled out his gun and pressed it to Max's forehead. His voice was eerily calm as he said, "When one is given permission to speak, they should know what to speak and how much."
A subtle yet unmistakable warning.
Rudraksh tilted his gun slightly, a silent signal. Max immediately bowed his head in submission and left the room without another word.
Jannat Villa
Evening had fallen, and the soft glow of the setting sun bathed the entire villa in a warm golden hue. Haya sat outside on the patio, sipping her coffee in silence. She wasn't aloneâMannat, Veena, Areena, and Falak were all there, enjoying their coffee together. The atmosphere was calm, yet there was an underlying tension in the air.
Haya, ever the observant one, couldn't help but notice the restlessness on Falak's face. She had been unusually quiet, lost in thought, occasionally glancing at her phone. Sensing something was wrong, Haya gently asked, "What's wrong, Falak? You seem tense."
Falak immediately straightened up, shaking her head a little too quickly. "No, Bhabhi, nothing's wrong," she replied, forcing a small smile. Then, turning towards Veena, she continued, "Mom, one of my friends is hosting a party tonight, and I was thinking of going."
Veena, who had been stirring her coffee absentmindedly, looked up at her daughter with a calm yet firm expression. "That's fine, but come back on time. It shouldn't be like last time," she said in a measured tone.
Hearing this, Falak let out a quiet sigh of relief and smiled. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll be back on time," she assured her before quickly leaving.
As soon as she was gone, Areena turned towards Haya and asked in a hushed voice, "Haya, did you talk to Rudraksh? What did he say? Did he agree?"
Mannat, who had been silent till now, leaned forward slightly. "Yes, Haya, tell us. Did he agree?"
Haya glanced at both of them before lowering her gaze. Her fingers traced the rim of her coffee cup as she spoke softly, "I don't know yet. He said he'll come and talk to me."
At this, Veena, who had been listening quietly, sighed and shook her head. "Listen to me, Haya, change your decision while you still can. Rudraksh will never agree to this. And honestly, he's not even wrong. He is so busy all the time; poor guy barely gets a break."
Her words, however, seemed to ignite a spark of anger in Mannat's eyes. She put her coffee cup down with a slight thud and snapped, "He's not that busy, Veena. And even if he is, he should make time for his wife! Haya is his responsibility. If Ishaan ever did this to Areena, would you be okay with it?"
At Mannat's sharp response, Veena fell silent. She had no answer.
Areena, who had been listening intently, nodded in agreement. "She's absolutely right, Badi Mom. I was thinking the same thing. If Ishaan ever ignored me like this, I would never tolerate it. And if Haya wants to study, what's so wrong with that?"
Just then, a deep, commanding voice echoed from behind them. "Talking about me, are we?"
All heads turned towards the entrance of the patio, where Rudraksh stood, his usual aura of dominance surrounding him.
Haya immediately straightened in her seat, suddenly feeling a little nervous under his intense gaze.
Mannat, however, was not one to back down. Crossing her arms, she shot him a look. "Well, given the way you've been behaving lately, Rudraksh, I don't see why we wouldn't be talking about you."
Rudraksh smirked lazily and walked over to the sofa, stretching himself comfortably as he spoke, "People only talk about those who are worth discussing, Mom. Am I wrong?"
Mannat narrowed her eyes at him, unimpressed by his arrogance. She was about to say something when Rudraksh stood up and stretched. "I'm going to my room. Send my coffee there," he said nonchalantly before walking away, leaving the conversation unfinished.
As soon as he was out of sight, Areena leaned closer to Haya and whispered, "Go, Haya. Take the coffee to his room. And while you're there, talk to him."
Haya sighed. She really didn't want to. But she knew she had no choice.
Reluctantly, she stood up, picked up the coffee cup, and made her way towards Rudraksh's room.
Rudraksh's Room
When Haya entered the room, Rudraksh had just stepped out of the shower. A towel hung low on his waist, water still dripping from his damp hair. As he ran a hand through his wet strands, he smirked at her and said, "Convincing someone takes quite a bit of effort, doesn't it?"
Haya's jaw tightened. Anger flared in her eyes as she stormed inside and slammed the coffee cup onto the table. "Step out of your dream world, Rudraksh Shekhawat! I only brought this coffee because Bhabhi told me to, not because I have any interest in you. And for the record, I don't need to negotiate with youâI just want to study. But knowing you, God knows what ridiculous conditions you'll come up with. Forget it, I don't need your permission!"
Rudraksh leaned against the wall, completely unfazed. A lazy grin tugged at the corners of his lips. "Giving up already?" he asked casually.
Haya shot him a furious glare before folding her arms. "First, put on some clothes! What kind of way is this to walk around?"
He pushed off the wall and took a step toward her. His voice was slow, teasing. "If it bothers you so much, you can just close your eyes, sweetheart. Because honestly, I don't care what you're comfortable with. It's my room, and I'll dress however I like."
Haya clenched her fists, but instead of arguing, she exhaled sharply. "Fine. Suit yourself. It's not like I care to have this conversation with you anyway."
Just as she turned to leave, Rudraksh suddenly stepped closerâso close that she could feel his breath against her skin. His next words sent a shockwave through her.
"I've decided to agree to your request."
Haya's eyes widened in surprise. She quickly turned to look at him, searching for any hint of mockery. And of course, there it wasâthat mischievous glint in his dark eyes.
Still, a flicker of hope sparked in her. "I don't trust you," she admitted hesitantly, "butâ"
Before she could finish, Rudraksh cut in, his voice dripping with amusement. "And do you think that your trust matters to me?"
Haya's expression hardened. "Listen, Rudraksh, this might be a joke to you, but it's my life. If you're serious, fine. But if not, don't waste my time."
She turned on her heel, ready to walk away, when Rudraksh's voice stopped her. "At least hear my conditions, Haya Diwan."
Haya paused, then turned to face him. "Fine. What are they?"
Rudraksh took his time. He reached out and ran a slow finger along her lower lip, his touch feather-light yet deliberate.
"Nothing too complicated," he murmured, his voice low and dangerous. "First, you will never call me by my name. Second, no unnecessary arguments. Third, no insultsâif I say something, you obey. Fourth, don't poke your nose into my work. Fifth, no running to the familyâespecially Dadaâabout me. And lastly," he paused, his dark gaze locking onto hers as he added, "whenever I want, I can touch these beautiful lips of yours... I can kiss them."
Haya's breath hitched. For a second, she could only stare at him in shock. Then, rage took over. "Are you insane? What the hell are you saying?"
Rudraksh, now casually pulling on a shirt, smirked at her reaction. "Don't expect anything more from me, Haya. I've thought this through carefully. Besides, I'm agreeing to your demandâcan't you agree to mine?"
Haya opened her mouth to argue, but before she could, Rudraksh picked up his coffee and raised a brow at her. "I don't want any more unnecessary talk. Just give me your final answer."
With that, he turned and walked onto the balcony, leaving Haya standing there, completely stunned.
Will Haya accept Rudraksh's conditions? Will she finally get her admission, or will Rudraksh's demands change everything?
Find out in "The Devil's Sweet Sin"!
⨠What do you think? Did this chapter leave you shocked, excited, or completely speechless? Share your thoughts in the comments! What do you think will happen next? Let's discuss! ð¥