Chapter 38: Chapter 35

The tracker’s red dot blinked steadily on the screen in the Desai mansion’s tech room. Raghav stood tense, his fists clenched, as he stared at the moving location on the monitor. Rudra, seated at the controls, worked tirelessly to keep the signal steady while coordinating with the police. They both were trying to keep their nerves calm.

Gauri, Urmi and Sumitra kept praying in the house temple. While Vasu kept busy in interaction with Sub Inspector.

“Her location is near the eastern docks,” Rudra announced, his voice steady despite the rising tension. “But it’s moving again. They’re not staying in one place.”

Raghav’s frustration boiled over. “How long will this take? Siya could already be in danger! Sitting here isn’t helping!”

Rudra turned, his gaze sharp. “And what’s your plan, Raghav? Rush in without knowing anything? Do you think Siya needs a reckless hero, or someone who’ll bring her back alive?”

Raghav opened his mouth to retort but stopped. He paced the room like a caged animal, his mind replaying the image of Siya being taken.

Rudra sighed and leaned back. “You love her this much, don’t you?”

The question stopped Raghav in his tracks. He turned, his brow furrowed. “What are you talking about? This isn't time—”

“You heard me,” Rudra said, standing now. “You love Siya. Just look at yourself. You’re a wreck. You can’t focus, you can’t think straight. Admit it already.”

Raghav scoffed, his voice bitter. “This isn’t about love. She’s my—” He hesitated, the words choking him.

“YOUR WHAT?” Rudra pressed, stepping closer. “Your contract wife? The woman you swore to divorce in a year? Don’t insult her, Raghav, and don’t lie to yourself. You feel more than you’re willing to admit.”

“I…” Raghav’s voice faltered, and memories of Siya flooded his mind—her laughter, her quiet strength, the way she had defended him against his father. He shook his head violently, trying to push the emotions away.

“No,” Raghav said finally, his tone colder. “This isn’t love. It’s just… concern. She’s my responsibility—”

Rudra’s eyes darkened, and without warning, he slapped Raghav hard across the face.

The sound echoed in the room, leaving everyone stunned.

“Stop lying to yourself!” Rudra’s voice was raw, his frustration clear. “You’re so scared of admitting how you feel that you’d rather lose her than face the truth. At least be brave enough to acknowledge your growing love for her!”

Raghav’s hand touched his stinging cheek, but the real pain came from Rudra’s words.

“You’ve changed Raghav,” Rudra said, his voice softer now. “I’ve seen it. Siya’s changed you—for the better. Don’t let your overthinking, or this stupid contract, stop you from seeing what’s right in front of you.”

Raghav’s breathing was uneven as Siya’s face came to his mind again. This wasn’t just attraction. It was something deeper. Something undeniable.

“Rudra…” Raghav whispered. “What if it’s too late?”

“It’s not,” Rudra said firmly, placing a hand on his shoulder. “But you need to stop running from your feelings and focus. Siya needs you.”

At Warehouse

Siya’s head throbbed as she opened her eyes. She was seated in a chair, her wrists tied tightly behind her back. The room was cold and dark, with the faint smell of rust and seawater.

Footsteps echoed against the concrete floor, and a shadow loomed over her. Durjoy Singh, a man with a sinister grin and cold, calculating eyes, crouched in front of her.

“You’re awake,” he said, his voice smooth but laced with menace. “Good. I hate talking to unconscious people.”

Siya glared at him but said nothing.

Durjoy chuckled. “Ah, that fire in your eyes. You’re braver than I expected. But bravery won’t help you here.”

“What do you want?” Siya demanded, her voice steady despite the fear curling in her stomach.

Durjoy’s expression darkened. “What I want isn’t you, little girl. You’re just a tool. A pawn to draw out the real prize— The Raghav Desai.”

Siya frowned. “Raghav? He’s got nothing to do with your business.”

“Does he?” Durjoy sneered, standing and pacing the room. “Your naive little husband may look like he’s on the sidelines, but he’s the younger son. His favorite son. The one Mr. Desai has been grooming in secret.”

Siya’s heart sank. Was this true?

“Do you think your father-in-law keeps Raghav away from the business out of love? No,” Durjoy continued, his tone dripping with contempt. “He’s protecting him. Shielding him. Building a future where Raghav takes over everything while the rest of us rot.”

“That’s not true,” Siya argued, though doubt crept into her voice.

Durjoy leaned in close, his breath cold against her face. “Oh, but it is. And you, my dear, are the perfect bait to draw him into the game.”

Before Siya could respond, one of Durjoy’s men burst into the room. “Boss, we’ve got a problem. They’ve tracked her location.”

Durjoy’s calm demeanor evaporated, replaced by a murderous rage. “What?”

“It’s the watch she’s wearing. It’s got some kind of GPS tracking.” The man with the green scorpio tattoo informed him. Siya glanced at his elbow. Everything became as clear as crystal. The fear crept in her heart, “he wasn't targeting me! They were targeting Raghav !!”

Durjoy’s gaze snapped to Siya’s wrist, where the sleek watch glinted faintly in the dim light. His expression turned cold and calculating.

“So this is how they found us,” he muttered, pulling a knife from his belt. The blade gleamed wickedly as he approached Siya.

Her breath hitched as she struggled against the ropes. “What are you doing?”

Durjoy didn’t answer. With a swift motion, he grabbed her wrist and brought the knife down. The sharp blade sliced through the watch and grazed her skin, drawing blood. Siya winced in pain, biting her lip to keep herself from crying out.

Durjoy tossed the watch aside, his face in fury, “No more games”. He pulled a gun from his belt, the cold barrel pressing against her temple.

“One wrong move”, he hissed, “and I’ll blow your pretty little head off”.

Siya’s heart pounded in her chest, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing her fear.