Dedicated to kairakal25 first family hereð
The deep, resonant voice cut through the air, startling Meera from her reverie. She sprang up, her heart racing, and turned to face the speaker.
The man's chiseled features were set in a scowl, his eyes blazing with intensity.
Meera's instincts screamed a warning, for she knew exactly who stood before her - the one person she had hoped to avoid.
Arjun Madhav..
Just then, Vid appeared, her hands trembling as she bowed.
"Who the hell are you, and why have you come?" Arjun thundered, his anger simmering like a tempest. Vid opened her mouth to explain, but the man's glare silenced her.
"I wasn't asking you," he growled, his eyes pinning Meera with an unnerving stare.
As he strode towards her, his movements eerily fluid, Meera's fear spiked. She clutched her garment, desperate to calm her racing heart.
Arjun's proximity was suffocating, his eyes burning with an inner fire.
For an instant, he paused, his nostrils flaring as he inhaled the sweet vanilla scent that wafted from Meera's skin. Unbeknownst to him, he leaned in closer, as if drawn by an unseen force.
Meera's terror intensified, her mind screaming for escape. The distance between them was unacceptable, and she felt trapped.
Suddenly, Arjun gaze snapped back into focus, his anger reigniting at Meera's silence. His eyes narrowed, his voice low and menacing.
"Answer me. What are you doing here?" He asked; Meera's silence was getting him pissed. For some reason, he wanted to hear her voice.
"Next time, a bullet will find its mark" Arjun's voice dropped to a menacing whisper, his eyes glinting with a deadly intensity that made Meera's heart stutter. Her eyes widened in terror as she stumbled over her words.
"I-I..."
Siddhartha's voice sliced through the tension.
"Arjun, Relax!" He hastened down the stairs, positioning himself protectively in front of Meera, maintaining a safe distance.
Meera's sigh of relief was almost imperceptible, but Arjun's gaze caught it, his jaw clenched in response.
"Who is this...person?" Arjun's eyes remained fixed on Meera, his tone dripping with disdain.
"This is Meera, she is-"
Siddhartha began to explain, but Arjun cut him off, his voice rising,
"I won't tolerate some fling in this mansion! How many times must I repeat myself?"
Meera's mind reeled as she wondered if he truly believed her to be some sort of plaything.
'Did he just call me - '
Siddhartha's frustration was palpable.
"Arjun, calm down! She's Meera, the interview candidate. Remember?" Meera's fear began to give way to indignation as Arjun's gaze lingered on her, her expression twisted in disgust.
"Why is she here?" Arjun's voice was laced with suspicion.
Siddhartha's patience was wearing thin.
"Because I invited her, obviously."
Arjun's eyes narrowed, "I don't trust fans in my home. You know better than to bring strangers here."
Meera's internal monologue seethed with resentment.
'I don't even want to be here, you dim-witted moron!'
Arjun's gaze snapped back to Meera, his voice low and commanding,
"Tell me your name."
Siddhartha began to respond, but Arjun's stern warning "I asked her, not you." silenced him.
Meera's voice was steady.
"My name is Meera Ahuja." The unspoken words, 'And I'm not afraid of you.' hung in the air like a challenge.
The whispered truth of Arjun's mafia ties echoed in her mind, a stark reminder of the danger that lurked beneath his polished facade and also not to anger him.
Arjun's whisper was like a caress "Meera." as if savoring the sound of her name. His gaze narrowed.
"I'm well aware of the irritation and annoyance your kind can cause. Listen carefully, and keep a distance of at least ten feet when we meet again. I still don't trust you."
Meera's lips curled in a silent retort 'Who in their right mind would willingly approach you?'
But she bit back her words, opting for a measured tone.
"Rest assured, Mr. Madhav, I'll maintain a safe distance. And please, don't lump me with others, I'm not a plaything. Randomlyaccusingsomeoneis bad correct?" Her voice took on a hint of indignation.
"Just because one girl did a crazy thing doesn't mean all women are the same."
Arjun's expression darkened, his fists clenched
"If one can betray, others will follow. You're all cut from the same cloth."
Meera's feisty side emerged, her eyes flashing.
"Siddhartha is kind and genuine, a true gentleman. Will you say other men are like him?" Her fear had given way to defiance.
Siddhartha intervened, his chuckle diffusing the tension.
"Well said, Meera." His hand on her shoulder was a gentle gesture of support. Arjun's gaze landed on that hand, and his eyes blazed with anger, his voice dropping to a menacing growl.
"The nerve you have" Arjun's voice dropped to a low, ominous tone, sending a shiver down Meera's spine.
Fear, once momentarily forgotten, came flooding back, and she instinctively tightened her grip on Siddhartha's shirt, her knuckles white with tension.
The air seemed to vibrate with Arjun's unspoken warning, his words hanging like a challenge, daring her to utter another syllable.
"I want her gone." Arjun's voice was laced with disdain as he cast a scathing glance in Meera's direction before ascending the stairs, leaving a trail of tension in his wake.
Siddhartha's words broke the silence.
"Well, I'm impressed. You're still breathing." His warm smile put Meera at ease, and she turned to him, her eyes still clouded with fear.
"Don't worry, I promised to keep you safe, and I will. You're the first girl to escape Arjun's wrath unscathed, and you've got spirit - I like that." Siddhartha's laughter filled the room, and Meera found herself sitting beside him, her mind still reeling.
As Siddhartha's laughter subsided, he offered comfort, "Don't worry, okay?" Meera nodded stiffly, forcing a smile.
"Shall we begin?" she asked, producing her notepad and pen. As she fidgeted with her phone, Siddhartha noticed her unease.
"Is everything alright?"
Meera hesitated, her lips pursed in nervousness.
"I was wondering...is it okay if I record this? It's my first time, and I need evidence."
Siddhartha's smile was reassuring. "Of course, Meera. You don't need my permission."
Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she set up the camera, her gratitude palpable.
"Thank you, thank you!" With a deep breath, she clicked the record button, and the interview began.
Arjun seethed behind the pillar upstairs, his gaze fixed on the scene unfolding below.
Meera's smile and the familiar way she addressed Siddhartha ignited a firestorm of anger within him. His jaw clenched, teeth grinding in frustration, he spun away from the pillar, phone already in hand.
With swift, decisive strides, he reached his room, dialing a number as he entered. The soft glow of the screen illuminated his face, his eyes blazing with intensity as he waited for the call to connect.
The door closed behind him with a soft click, enveloping him in silence, but his mind still simmered with agitation.
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"...and that concludes our interview?" Siddhartha asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Meera's giggles filled the room.
"Yes, that's all for today. I only had a few questions, but I must confess, my team did sneak in some...creative inquiries." She smiled mischievously as she packed her bag, checking the video recording one last time.
"Creative inquiries?" Siddhartha's laughter was barely contained. "Fangirling questions, to be precise" Meera admitted, her cheeks flushing.
Siddhartha's teasing tone made her smile.
"I'm glad I'm the one in charge. I don't think I could've handled some of those questions, especially the seduction ones. I fear for the safety of my female colleagues - their corpses might be sent back!" Meera's laughter was music to his ears.
As she finished packing, Siddhartha asked.
"Is someone picking you up?" Meera's response was laced with gratitude.
"No, don't worry, I'll just hail a cab." But Siddhartha insisted.
"It's late, I'll drop you off." Meera protested
"Sid, I don't want to bother you.
" The nickname brought a wide smile to Siddhartha's face.
"You called me Sid - I love it!"
Just then, a familiar voice cut through the conversation.
"I'll drop her."
They turned to see Arjun descending the stairs, his office attire replaced by casual wear - grey sweatpants and a heather-colored t-shirt that accentuated his chiseled physique. His hair was damp, hinting at a recent shower, and his eyes locked onto Meera with an intensity that made her uneasy.
"What?"
"I said I'll drop her" he repeated, his voice low and firm, as he approached them.
Siddhartha protested "Bhai, you don't have to! I'll drop her."
Arjun's response was curt.
"I wasn't asking." Meera's tension was palpable as she forced a smile and turned to Arjun.
"It's fine, Mr. Madhav. I'll just get a cab."
But Arjun's grip on her wrist pulled her away from Siddhartha's calming presence. His anger simmered, fueled by an inexplicable resentment.
As they reached the front door, Arjun's Ferrari awaited, its passenger seat open.
Meera hesitated, her eyes darting back to Siddhartha. "Please, I can go on my own."
Arjun's growl sent shivers down her spine."Get in."
Siddhartha tries to make Arjun understand but falls on deaf ears as Arjun's anger intensifies.
Siddhartha's reassurance "Don't worry, he won't hurt you. I promise." was Meera's only solace as she reluctantly entered the car.
As they drove away, Siddhartha's concerned expression faded into the distance, leaving Meera trapped in an uncomfortable silence with Arjun.
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The oppressive silence in the car suffocated Meera, her grip on her bag tightening as she stared straight ahead, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios.
She was trapped, at the mercy of a man whose volatile nature made her blood run cold.
Arjun's sudden glance in her direction made her heart skip a beat, his eyes lingering for a moment before refocusing on the road.
"How old are you?" he asked, his voice low and even, but laced with an undercurrent of tension.
Meera's confusion was evident as she turned to face him, her thoughts racing with the implications of his question.
"I'm 23," she replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil brewing inside.
Arjun's hum was a low, menacing sound, and Meera's instincts screamed at her to tread carefully.
He continued to question her, his tone firm but controlled. Meera answered, her responses brief and cautious, aware that one misstep could ignite his temper.
The conversation was strained, Meera's fear palpable as she struggled to find a safe haven in the treacherous landscape of Arjun's mood swings.
His anger simmered just below the surface, waiting to erupt at any moment.
"Why aren't you talking much?" he growled, his voice dripping with malice.
"Because, there is nothing to talk about. " Meera's forced response was barely audible, her eyes darting towards the window as if seeking escape.
Arjun's hand clenched the steering wheel, his knuckles white with rage.
"Are you scared of me?" he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. Meera's response was laced with a mix of fear and defiance
"Everyone is."
The car screeched to a halt, Meera's seatbelt the only thing preventing her from crashing forward.
As she looked up, Arjun's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze burning with intensity.
"And Siddhartha?" he asked, his voice low and menacing. Meera's whispered response was barely audible, "Not really."
The silence between them was oppressive, punctuated only by Arjun's curt instruction.
"Address." Meera's alarm was palpable, her voice trembling as she asked,
"W-why do you need it?" Arjun's look was withering, his tone dripping with disdain.
"How else will I drop you home?"
Meera's mind recoiled in horror at the thought of revealing her address to a mafia kingpin.
But Arjun's patience was wearing thin, his voice low and menacing. "It's either you start talking or you spend the night with me..." The unspoken threat hung in the air, and Meera's resistance crumbled. She spilled out her address, the words tumbling from her lips like a confession.
As they drove through Meera's street, she was on high alert, praying her nosy neighbors wouldn't spot her exiting Arjun's car. The last thing she needed was the gossip mill churning out stories about her association with the infamous Arjun Madhav.
When they finally stopped, Meera hastily thanked him and reached for the door, only to find it locked. Arjun's gaze was piercing as he unlocked it, his words dripping with malice.
"The fact I dropped you doesn't mean your visit is welcome. I just needed to ask you a few questions. And I hope you won't be a threat to me, Miss Ahuja."
Meera nodded hastily, gathering her belongings as she made a quick escape.
But as she turned to close the door, she found Arjun still staring at her, his intensity making her shiver.
She slammed the door shut and hastened towards her home, not stopping until she was safely inside.
"Di! You're back, oh God, we were beginning to get worried! Hope the mafias didn't kidnap you yet." Ved exclaimed, beaming, as she flung open the door. Meera rolled her eyes good-naturedly, relieved to be home.
"Is that Meera?" her mother called from the kitchen.
"Yes, ma!" Meera replied, forcing a cheerful tone.
"Dear, how was today? And the interview? How was it?" her mother asked, concern etched on her face.
Meera thought about the events of the day, her mind still reeling.
"Just be happy I'm home alive, I'll freshen up now," she said tiredly, heading towards her room.
Her mother and Ved exchanged worried glances, but Meera just shook her head, not wanting to relive the ordeal.
The sound of Arjun's car igniting and revving away was still echoing in her mind, a stark reminder of the danger that lurked outside her doorstep.
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Stay safeð