PRATAP INDUSTRIES (9:00 pm)
Aditi sat at her desk, furiously typing away. Sweat dotted her temples, but instead of diminishing her beauty, it only enhanced it—like the fire of dedication glowing through grace. Her messy bun was barely held together by a single pen, and flicks of her hair stubbornly danced across her forehead and cheeks.
She didn't bother fixing them. She was too consumed in her work.
But someone else noticed.
From across the room, Yug watched her with a relaxed smile, hands tucked in his pockets. The office was long deserted, every desk empty—except hers.
She never left unfinished work. That was just who she was. And tonight, her manager had buried her in more than she could handle.
She swiped at the hair falling on her face again. It annoyed her, but not enough to stop. But it did stop someone else.
Yug walked over without a word. He leaned in gently and tucked the stray strands behind her ear.
ADITI'S POV
The moment his fingers brushed my skin, my eyes fluttered shut on their own. I turned, and there he was—smiling at me like I was the only thing that existed.
His breath grazed the side of my neck, and suddenly, I wasn't tired anymore. The stress melted away. The buzzing in my head faded.
He never made me feel uncomfortable. In fact, every time I looked into his eyes... I felt like I'd known him forever. Not for months—but lifetimes.
With him, I felt safe.
But also something else. Something new.
Something electric.
Something I couldn't name... and it scared me a little.
My heartbeat quickened. My breath stilled. My body responded before I could even think. And the urge to... just *feel* him... was getting harder to fight.
Control, Aditi. Focus.
AUTHOR'S POV
Yug pulled a chair beside her and sat down, casually peeking at her screen before letting his eyes drift to her face. Their eyes met.
Aditi's stomach flipped.
He looked... unfairly good in that black shirt. Her fingers itched to trace the sharpness of his jawline.
She internally slapped herself.
**FOCUS, DAMMIT. WHAT ARE YOU DOING, ADITI?!**
Yug blinked, pulling himself out of the trance he didn't even know he'd fallen into.
"You could've done this tomorrow, you know. Why so late?" he asked, concern soft in his voice.
"Just five more minutes. I'll be done. But what are you doing here? You should've left already."
He leaned back, smile lazy and full of charm. "I'm sort of... in the habit of leaving when you do. I was waiting outside, but when it got too late and you didn't show, I came in to check. And guess what I found?" He gestured to her with a teasing wink. "A rare and exclusive piece of beauty."
Aditi rolled her eyes, but her cheeks betrayed her, burning red. She shielded her face with her palm, grinning despite herself.
Flirt he might, but his words always got to her—even if she never admitted it out loud.
She finished her work. They left together.
UNDER THE TREE – NIGHT
Aditi stood beneath the quiet shade of a tree, rifling through her bag. Her Activa was parked nearby, keys missing.
"Looking for this?"
A deep voice slithered behind her. She turned to find a man holding up a butterfly-shaped necklace and keys—her necklace.
"Hey! That's mine! Give it back, you thief!" she growled, moving to snatch it, but he yanked it away, catching her wrist instead.
With a mocking grin, he threw the necklace into the nearby water and shoved her against the tree.
"You're mine," he snarled. "Only mine. Your love, your hate, your soul—*everything* belongs to me. Don't you dare look at another man. You'll come to me, Princess. By choice... or by force."
And before she could fight back, he crushed his lips against hers in a brutal, violating kiss.
She struggled. Her hands pushed. Kicked. But he was too strong. Her heart thrashed. Her eyes welled.
One tear slipped down her cheek—slow and silent.
ADITI'S ROOM – MIDNIGHT
Aditi gasped awake, sitting up on her bed. Her chest heaved, soaked in sweat. Her hands clutched her pounding heart.
*It was just a dream... just a stupid, twisted dream.*
She whispered to herself, trying to calm her racing breath.
"If anyone ever dares do that to me..." she muttered, voice fierce, "I'll kick his butt so hard he'll land straight in Antarctica."
She quickly looked around. Her eyes landed on her bedside table. Her butterfly necklace gleamed gently in the moonlight.
A small smile tugged at her lips. Yug had given it to her.
She reached out and held it gently, as if holding on to something precious. Something safe.
But just then... her gaze shifted.
A piece of black cloth lay on the floor. Something small glinted beside it.
A ring.
How did this ring get into Aditi's room? Is Aditi developing feelings for Yug?
To know keep reading The Royal Tatva.
Sry the chapter got long today. Please vote, comment and follow.
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The Royal Tatvas
RomanceShe was shivering as she held those papers.. Closing her eyes she thought once and signed on them and handed them to him. He had devilish yet satisfactory smirk on his face. " Welcome to hell... sweetheart"
