The Devil's Queen (UNDER MAJOR EDITING)

Chapter -3 The Betrayal

Naina Pov

After carefully draping my sister with the dupatta, I stealthily descended the stairs, hiding myself behind the walls. My curiosity got the better of me, despite my instincts warning me that something was wrong. What I overheard shattered me into countless fragments.

Sonia: Please, Mr. Watson, don't do anything to Sachin. We can't give you back the money we borrowed, but we promise we'll try to pay you soon.

Mr. Watson: Really? But didn't you say the same thing last month, and the month before that, and even a whole year ago? I want my 75 crores right now! (He shouted)

Sachin: We're really sorry, Ryan sir. We'll do our best to get the money by the end of next month.

Ryan (Loan shark): I've had enough of your excuses. I want the papers for this house and your jewelry as promised. If not, something bad might happen to both of you.

Sonia: No, sir, please don't.

Sachin: Sir, wait, I have an idea to get you the money right now.

Ryan Watson (Loan shark): What's your plan?

Sachin: I have a daughter who is your age. She's ready to get married, and she's well-educated. I can sell her to you for the 75 crores you want.

Naina: "Can you believe it? How could they even think about this? Gambling away all that money, and then casually discussing selling me like some kind of commodity! How could they?!"

(Her voice trembles with disbelief and anger as she clenches her fists, tears brimming in her eyes.)

Ryan Watson (Loan shark): Hmm, alright. She better be young and pretty, or you both will be found dead in the alley next to your ridiculous home and no one will ever find that it was me who did that condition to you.

Sachin: She is, I promise. And I'll arrange the wedding as soon as possible if you like her.

Ryan Watson (Loan shark): I'm sure I'll like her      (A/N: with bad intentions, of course).

Naina's Pov: -

Hiding behind the wall, I couldn't control the shivers running down my spine as their dreadful conversation unfolded. Little did they know, I was eavesdropping on their treacherous secrets. 

A whirlwind of emotions engulfed me – fear, anger, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness.

Desperation gripped me, and I fumbled to grab my phone. With trembling fingers, I dialed Aanya's number. She had been my rock, my confidante since our 10th-grade days. We were School buddies, sharing everything from lectures to lunch breaks. Aanya was more than a friend; she was my lifeline. I knew, just as I leaned on her, she could always count on me too.

Aanya answered my phone call really fast, and when she heard me silently sobbing, she sounded concerned and asked me what was making me sad.

(On the phone)

Aanya: Hi! How are you? (then she paused)

Naina, are you alright?

Hold on, I'm coming over to your house.

(phone call ended)

Naina's POV: -

After I hung up the phone, my little sister, still in her pajamas, tugged on my white kurta with her tiny hands indicating that she was awake from her power nap. Her big, innocent eyes looked up at me, wondering what was happening. I quickly wiped away my tears and told her that we were going to stay with Aanya for a little while. (I didn't want to deal with those dishonest people or the scary loan shark.) She enthusiastically nodded in agreement, excited to see her "second sister" - Aanya.