Chapter 37: Chapter Thirty Five.

Meera’s mother set the glass of water down gently in front of her husband, watching him carefully. Her brows furrowed as she sat down beside him.

“That’s it? He didn’t say anything more?” she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

Meera’s father took a sip from the glass, his expression still clouded with the weight of what had transpired.

“Surprisingly, all he did was ask when the engagement would take place... then he just left.” he replied.

Sitting nearby, Meera listened intently, her hands resting on her lap as she absorbed the conversation.

“Wait, engagement?” Her mother’s eyes narrowed in confusion as she shifted her gaze between her husband and her daughter.

Meera’s father sighed deeply, leaning back in his chair.

“Yes, about that. I didn’t know what else to do at that moment. Arjun was pushing too hard, and I had to come up with something. So I… lied.” he admitted, his eyes flickering toward Meera. “And tomorrow, Meera will meet with Veer.”

Meera's brows shot up in surprise. “Papa, what if I don’t like Veer anymore? I’m not the same girl I was back then. It was just a crush, nothing more. I know you said it to get Arjun off my back, but how are we supposed to plan an engagement so soon?” she asked, her voice shaky with anxiety.

Her father looked at her apologetically, running a hand through his graying hair.

“I know, beta, and I’m sorry. But on the bright side, it seems Arjun won’t bother you anymore. I’m sure he’s a man of principle and wouldn’t pursue a woman already promised to another man.”

Meera considered his words for a moment, then nodded slowly, though doubt lingered in her mind.

“Alright, Papa.” she said softly. She stood up, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her, and quietly retreated to her room. Her parents watched her leave, a shared worry in their eyes.

Meera’s mother let out a long sigh, sadness clouding her features.

“I just hope our daughter’s life returns to normal.” she said, her voice tinged with melancholy.

Her father remained silent, lost in thought, staring at the spot where Meera had just disappeared.

As he brooded, the sound of footsteps descending the staircase drew their attention. It was Veda, looking radiant in a beautifully embroidered dress, a stark contrast to her usual laid-back style.

Both her parents exchanged curious looks. “Veda? Where are you headed, all dressed up like this?” her mother asked, a teasing tone in her voice.

Veda raised an eyebrow, feigning exasperation. “Really? That’s the reaction I get? No ‘Wow, you look beautiful, honey’? Just suspicion?” she teased back with a playful grin.

Her mother chuckled but kept her curious gaze fixed on Veda.

“It’s just... you never dress like this. The last time you looked so nice was at your cousin’s wedding.” she said, still trying to make sense of her daughter’s sudden transformation.

Veda rolled her eyes dramatically, laughing as she fixed her dupatta over her shoulders.

“I’m just going out with a few friends, Mama. Nothing to worry about.”

Her father, now standing, studied her intently. “Which friends?” he asked, his protective instincts kicking in.

“Aditya and a few others..” she replied casually. “You remember Aditya, right? The guy who helped us when we went for my admission process?”

Her father’s brow furrowed for a moment, trying to recall, then his face lit up in recognition.

“Oh, yes! The one who kept stammering nervously around us?” he asked, chuckling.

Veda giggled at the memory.

“He wasn’t stammering, Papa. He was just nervous. But yes, that’s him.”

Her father approached her, his expression softening.

“Just be safe, my princess.” he said, pulling her into a hug and kissing her forehead gently.

Veda grinned up at him, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Don’t worry, Papa. I’m not just your princess—I’m a fighter.” she said with a wink, making her father laugh.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a message. She glanced at it quickly, a smile spreading across her face.

“Alright, I really have to go now. Bye, Ma, bye Papa!” she called out, heading for the door with a spring in her step.

As the door closed behind her, her father remained staring after her, a pensive look settling over his face.

“Are you alright, dear?” Meera’s mother asked gently, noticing the shift in his mood.

He hesitated for a moment, then sighed deeply, sinking back into his chair.

“Is it a curse?” he murmured, his voice heavy with sorrow.

His wife looked at him in confusion. “What do you mean?” she asked, her brows furrowing.

He rubbed his temples, his shoulders slumping in defeat.

“We’ve been blessed with two beautiful daughters, but it seems only dangerous men are drawn to them. God gave us beauty in our girls, but not the strength to protect them from these criminals. First Arjun, now this...”

Meera’s mother reached over and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“I know it feels like a burden, but we will do our best to keep them safe. No matter what happens, we’ll fight for them. And if some things are written in their destiny, we can’t stop it. But we can stand by them through it.”

Her words were soft but filled with determination. She gently cupped her husband’s face in her hands, forcing him to look at her.

“Don’t give up.” she whispered, her eyes filled with quiet strength. “We’ll get through this.”

He managed a small, grateful smile and leaned into her touch, wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug.

“I just want them to be safe.” he whispered.

“And they will be.” she assured him, resting her head against his shoulder, holding onto the hope that their daughters’ lives would soon be free of danger.

***

Arjun’s car screeched to a halt just outside a looming structure, a nondescript warehouse that, from the outside, appeared abandoned. But the unassuming exterior was far from what lay within.

This was one of many warehouses he owned, each serving a sinister purpose, hidden away from the public eye.

This particular one was his most frequented—where he stored illegal goods, weapons, contraband, and a place where his enemies met their darkest fates.

As Arjun stepped out of the sleek, black car, the scent of oil and rust filled the air, mixing with the heavy weight of tension that always lingered here.

His face cold and unreadable, eyes sharp as they surveyed the surroundings. The warehouse wasn’t just a place for storage; it was a fortress, built to withstand scrutiny and raids.

There were others like it, scattered across the city, each one larger and more fortified than the last. But this one? This was where the real work got done.

A pair of guards flanked the entrance, both burly and heavily armed, nodding respectfully as Arjun passed.

They knew better than to speak unless spoken to. His presence commanded silence, and the aura of power he exuded was unmistakable. This wasn’t a man to be crossed.

Karan's eyes darted to the flickering CCTV monitor, and saw Arjun’s unmistakable figure stepping out of his sleek, black car.

His brows furrowed in confusion and concern. Arjun never visited this particular location unless something urgent–something deadly–was brewing.

A sense of unease settled over Karan as he watched Arjun's deliberate stride on the screen. The man was a force of nature, and his unexpected arrival sent a ripple of tension through the entire facility.

Karan knew what it meant when Arjun appeared without warning–it was a precursor to something dark.

The control room felt smaller all of a sudden, the air heavier.

He took a deep breath and stepped out of the small, dimly lit room into the wide, cold hallway that led to the heart of the building.

His footsteps echoed eerily as he made his way through the facility, each step dragging him closer to Arjun.

As he turned the corner, there Arjun was, moving with that predatory grace he always had.

The sight of him immediately confirmed Karan curiosity —Arjun was in a foul mood. His aura was almost suffocating, a dark cloud that seemed to follow him.

He had known Arjun for years, and he could read him better than most, but this? This was different.

There was something off, something much darker than usual. His expression was hard, his jaw clenched tight, and his eyes—those cold, calculating eyes—burned with an intensity that sent chills down Karan’s spine.

This wasn’t just anger; it was something deeper, something more dangerous.

Karan approached cautiously, knowing full well that any wrong move could set Arjun off. “Arjun..” he greeted, his voice low and respectful. “Didn’t expect you here today. Is everything alright?”

Arjun barely acknowledged Karan’s presence, his eyes still fixed on the path ahead.

His silence was unnerving, even for someone like Karan, who had witnessed Arjun’s brutal methods up close.

The air between them was thick with tension, but Karan knew better than to press for answers. Arjun spoke when he was ready, and not a moment before.

Arjun’s hands clenched into fists, his knuckles white against his skin as he came to an abrupt stop.

“Where’s Vikram?” His voice, though calm, carried an underlying menace that made Karan’s stomach churn.

“In the back, checking the latest shipment.” Karan responded, trying to keep his voice steady. He could see that something was eating away at Arjun, and whatever it was, it was dangerous.

Arjun’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he gave a curt nod before continuing his way toward the inner part of the facility. Karan followed.

By the time they reached the main warehouse floor, Karan couldn’t help but wonder what could’ve pushed Arjun to this point.

There was an unspoken rule in their world—when Arjun was quiet, it meant the storm was coming. And it was going to be brutal.

The towering shelves of crates and barrels loomed around them, casting long shadows in the dimly lit space.

The place reeked of oil, metal, and danger. Arjun scanned the room as if calculating everything in an instant, his eyes darting from one corner to the next, always two steps ahead.

Finally, they reached the far end of the warehouse where Vikram was busy overseeing the unloading of a shipment.

The moment Vikram caught sight of Arjun, his face paled. He knew what that look meant, and it wasn’t good.

“Boss” Vikram began, his voice unsure as he wiped his hands on a rag. “I didn’t know you were—”

Before Vikram could finish, Arjun’s sharp glare cut through him like a blade. “Where is the report on the last shipment? You were supposed to deliver it yesterday.”

Vikram hesitated, swallowing hard. “I-I’m still going over the details. There was a complication with the supplier—”

“A complication?” Arjun’s voice was ice-cold, and he took a step closer to Vikram, the air around him seeming to crackle with fury. “You had one job, Vikram. One. And now you’re telling me there’s a ‘complication’?”

Karan watched as Vikram flinched under Arjun’s glare, his normally confident demeanor crumbling.

He had seen this play out before—Arjun’s rage was like a silent storm. It didn’t explode all at once, but when it did, it left nothing in its wake.

“Boss, I swear I’m handling it.” Vikram stammered, his voice shaky. “It’s just taking longer than expected.”

“That’s not good enough.” Arjun said, his voice low but deadly. “You should have anticipated this.”

Without warning, Arjun grabbed Vikram by the collar, pulling him in close.

“You disappoint me.” he growled, his voice barely above a whisper, but it was enough to send a chill down Vikram’s spine.

Karan, standing a few feet away, could feel the suffocating tension. He knew this wouldn’t end well for Vikram, not with the way Arjun was looking at him.

He wanted to intervene, to say something that might diffuse the situation, but he knew better. Arjun didn’t tolerate weakness, especially from those closest to him.

Vikram trembled under Arjun’s grip, his eyes wide with fear. “I-I’ll fix it, Boss. I promise.” he sputtered, his voice desperate. “Just give me more time.”

Arjun released him, shoving him back with a disgusted look on his face.

“You have until tomorrow.” he said, his voice cold and final. “If it’s not fixed by then, you’ll wish I had dealt with you today.”

Vikram nodded frantically, stumbling back as Arjun turned and walked away, the tension in the room finally breaking.

Karan let out a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding, watching as Arjun stormed toward the exit, his mind clearly elsewhere.

As Arjun disappeared from view, Karan exchanged a glance with Vikram, who was still shaking from the encounter.

“You need to get it together, Vikram.” Karan said quietly, though he knew the man already understood the gravity of his situation.

Vikram nodded wordlessly, rubbing his neck where Arjun’s grip had been moments before. He knew he was on borrowed time now.

Arjun’s eyes flicked toward a room as he walked past it, his expression darkening slightly.

Inside, his latest captive was waiting—a man who had dared to betray him, thinking he could outsmart the empire Arjun had built from the ground up.

His lips curled into a smirk at the thought. No one outsmarted Arjun. No one.

As he walked further inside, Karan, approached him again, looking tense.

“The shipment arrived as expected, but there’s been a minor issue with one of our suppliers. They’re asking for more time, but I have a feeling they’re stalling.” Karan reported, his voice low.

Arjun’s gaze shifted from the crates to Karan, his expression hardening.

“Handle it.” he said simply, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. He nodded quickly, understanding that to fail Arjun was to risk everything.

Arjun continued walking, his mind only half-focused on the logistics of his empire. His thoughts kept drifting back to Meera.

The fire in her eyes, her defiance. He hated that she didn’t bend to him, but at the same time, he admired her spirit.

That stubbornness, however, was becoming a problem. She wasn’t like the others, easily swayed or manipulated. She was different, and it drove him mad.

He needed her, not just in a possessive sense but because she represented something unattainable, something he couldn’t control.

And Arjun didn’t like things that were out of his control, But the idea that she was about to marry someone else gnawed at him like a festering wound.

He clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. No. Meera wouldn’t escape him. She was his.

As he approached the back of the warehouse, the iron door to the torture room loomed ahead.

His footsteps echoed off the concrete as he neared it, and two more guards stepped aside to let him pass. Inside, the room was dimly lit, sterile in its emptiness except for the chair bolted to the floor in the center.

The man who sat in that chair was bloodied, beaten, but still breathing—for now.

Arjun stepped inside, his eyes narrowing as they met the captive’s.

“I gave you a chance to make this easy.” Arjun said, his voice calm but laced with a threat. “You chose the hard way.”

The man, barely able to keep his head up, trembled, knowing what was coming.

He had heard the stories about Arjun, about what happened to those who betrayed him. He had been foolish enough to think he could escape that fate.

Arjun circled him slowly, like a predator sizing up its prey.

“Now, you’re going to tell me everything. Who hired you, who you’re working for, and why you thought betraying me was a good idea.”

The man whimpered, blood trickling down his face as he tried to form words, but the fear choked them back.

Arjun crouched down, bringing himself level with his victim. “I don’t like repeating myself.”

There was a long silence, the tension in the room suffocating. The captive finally broke, sobbing as he stammered out the answers Arjun wanted.

Every word was a nail in his own coffin, but he knew he had no choice. In Arjun’s world, betrayal was met with only one outcome.

Arjun stood up, wiping his hands clean of the encounter. He didn’t need to hear any more.

The man would be dealt with, but for Arjun, his thoughts were already elsewhere. He had other things to focus on, bigger plans in motion.

He strode back through the warehouse, his steps purposeful and confident.

This was just another day in his empire, another enemy broken under his control. But Meera? She would be a different kind of conquest. One that, once achieved, would solidify his power in a way nothing else could.

As he left the warehouse and got back into his car, Arjun’s mind was already racing with the next steps.

He wouldn’t lose her, not to anyone. Meera was his, and soon, the world would know it.

With one final glance at the warehouse in his rearview mirror, he sped off, determination burning in his eyes.

****

4:30pm

Meera busied herself folding the freshly laundered clothes, her movements slow and methodical as she hummed softly to her favorite tune.

The house was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustle of fabric as she placed the neatly folded items back in the wardrobe.

Her sister, Veda, was still out, and her parents had gone to visit relatives just a few streets away. She was alone.

Her phone buzzed on the nearby table, pulling her attention away for a brief second. She glanced at it, but dismissed the notification, returning to the task at hand.

But the sense of peace that had settled over the house moments ago began to shift, a creeping unease filling the silence.

Three minutes later, her phone rang.

The sound was jarring, cutting through the stillness.

Meera froze, her heart skipping a beat. Slowly, she made her way to the study table where her phone lay, her hands trembling slightly as she reached for it.

The screen lit up, displaying a name that sent a cold wave of fear crashing over her.

Arjun.

Her grip tightened around the phone as her palms grew sweaty. She stared at the name for a long moment, her mind racing.

She didn't want to answer. She didn’t want to hear his voice, to face whatever storm was waiting on the other end of the line.

But she had no choice. With shaky hands, she swiped to answer, raising the phone to her ear.

“H-Hello.” she stuttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Come out.” Arjun's voice was low, commanding, and without a hint of warmth. Then the line went dead.

Meera’s eyes widened in fear. She stood there, frozen for a moment, the silence of the house pressing in around her.

Her heart pounded in her chest, and the weight of his words settled heavily in her mind.

He’s here.

She scrambled to grab her dupatta, draping it over her shoulders as she rushed to the window.

Her breath caught in her throat when she saw him standing outside—his tall figure cloaked in black, like a shadow against the dimming sky.

He looked every bit the predator, his posture rigid, his eyes fixed on her house with a dark intensity that made her stomach twist.

Arjun didn’t move, but his presence alone was enough to send a wave of panic surging through her.

She could feel the heat of his gaze from where she stood, like he was daring her to make a choice.

Her phone buzzed again, startling her. She hesitated, fear gripping her as she answered.

"You either come out, or I’ll do it my way.” Arjun’s voice was colder this time, more threatening, laced with a promise of violence.

Meera gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. She didn’t doubt for a second that he meant every word.

She quickly turned toward the door, her heart racing as she fumbled with the lock. She had to go. There was no other option.

If she didn’t, he would drag her out, and she couldn't even begin to imagine what that would look like.

With trembling hands, Meera pushed the door open and stepped outside.

The cool evening air hit her face, but it did nothing to calm her nerves.

She stood on the threshold, her eyes immediately locking onto Arjun. His gaze never wavered from her, hard and unyielding, like a storm ready to break.

The distance between them seemed to shrink under the weight of his presence, suffocating her with the intensity of his stare.

He was all in black, his broad shoulders casting long shadows in the fading light.

His expression was unreadable, but his eyes—dark, burning with something unspoken—betrayed the anger simmering just beneath the surface.

He didn’t have to say anything. She could feel the tension radiating off him, thick and oppressive.

Arjun took a step closer, his eyes trailing over her with an intensity that made her want to shrink back.

Meera's heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing in her ears as she struggled to keep her composure.

She had never felt more vulnerable, standing there alone, with no one to shield her from his wrath.

"You're really going through with this?" Arjun’s voice was low, almost a growl, but there was a dangerous edge to it.

Meera opened her mouth to respond, but no words came. She could barely think straight, her mind reeling from the sudden confrontation.

He was talking about her supposed engagement, the lie her father had told to push him away. But looking at him now, she realized it hadn’t worked. If anything, it had made things worse.

Arjun's gaze darkened as he stepped even closer, towering over her.

"You’re really going to marry that man?" His voice was bitter, laced with barely concealed fury.

Meera’s throat tightened. She shook her head, her voice finally breaking through the fear. “No... it’s not like that. I—”

“Don’t lie to me.” Arjun cut her off, his voice sharp. He leaned in slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied her face.

“Your father promised you to someone else. You think that’s going to stop me?”

Meera’s breath hitched, the weight of his words sinking in. She had hoped, foolishly, that the engagement lie would be enough to deter him.

But now, looking into his eyes, she realized just how naive she had been.

Arjun's hand shot out suddenly, grabbing her wrist. His grip was firm, almost possessive, and Meera flinched at the contact.

“You’re mine, Meera.” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “No one else. Not now, not ever.”

Tears pricked at her eyes as she tried to pull her hand away, but he held on, his gaze never leaving hers.

There was something terrifyingly final in the way he said it, as if her fate had been sealed the moment he decided she was his.

“Arjun, please…” Meera’s voice wavered, her eyes pleading with him. “You can’t—”

“I can. And I will.” he interrupted, his voice cold. “You think I’m going to let you go? To let someone else have you?”

Meera's chest tightened, the reality of her situation hitting her full force. There was no reasoning with him, no escape from his obsession.

“What’s his name?” Arjun growled, his voice thick with fury.

Meera’s eyes widened in fear as she looked up at him, meeting the rage burning in his bloodshot gaze.

His grip on her wrist tightened, and she could feel the heat radiating off his body, the barely contained anger simmering beneath the surface. He wasn’t asking–he was demanding.

But there was no way she was going to drag an innocent man into this. Veer—, she couldn’t let Arjun’s wrath fall on him.

She was terrified—terrified of what Arjun might do if she said anything, and terrified of what would happen if she didn’t.

Her throat tightened, and her heart pounded so loudly in her chest it was almost deafening.

She had to be careful. One wrong word could set off the storm that was already brewing in him.

“I—I don’t know.” she stammered, trying to keep her voice steady, though fear shook every syllable. “There’s no one. It’s all a lie.”

Arjun’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing dangerously as he leaned in closer, his breath hot against her skin.

"Don’t lie to me, Meera." he hissed. His voice was low, threatening, a warning that her next words could decide her fate.

“I’m not lying.” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “There’s no one. My father made it up to get you off my back.”

For a moment, Arjun didn’t say anything. His gaze bore into her, sharp and unforgiving, as if he were trying to read her every thought, every hidden truth.

The silence stretched between them, suffocating, until finally, he spoke.

“If I find out you’re protecting him…” His voice trailed off, leaving the threat hanging in the air, ominous and full of unspoken violence.

Meera swallowed hard, the weight of his words pressing down on her. She wasn’t just trying to protect some fake fiancé—she was trying to protect herself from the man who stood before her, the man who had already claimed her as his. And in that moment, she realized just how dangerous that claim truly was.

♤♤♤

Hi!! Sorry for uploading now! I have a bit problem with my wifi! And Wattpad is messing with me 😂😖.

I made this chapter long because I was suppose to drop an update yesterday! I'm sorry!!

Please all your votes count🌹♥️♥️ and I love to read you guys comments!! ❤️