ARJUN- The Monster [BOOK 1]

6. Nitya

As I gazed out the window, the realization hit me like a thunderbolt - I had no choice left but to rebel. With just enough money in my bank account, I hastily booked a flight to Bangalore, hoping to return before he even noticed my absence. It's not like he cared about what happened in this house anyway.

In the dead of the night, I slipped out of the house, careful not to alert Remya, my ever-vigilant guardian. This was my first time navigating the streets of Mumbai alone, so I relied on my phone's GPS to guide me to the airport.

After what felt like an eternity, the cab finally arrived. As I settled into the back seat, a wave of relief washed over me. I dialed my mom's number, my heart pounding with anticipation. "Hey, Ma."

"Nitya, how are you, dear?"

"I'm good, Ma. I just want to tell you guys to expect a surprise today. Just wait, okay?" I couldn't contain my excitement to be going home.

"What kind of surprise?" Ma's voice was filled with eager anticipation.

"Shh, it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you. I've got to go now, okay? Bye." I ended the call, my eyes scanning the bustling streets of Mumbai. The city was alive with energy, each corner telling its own story.

After what felt like an eternity, I finally arrived at the airport. With a deep breath, I boarded the flight to Bangalore, my heart brimming with excitement and anticipation of meeting my family after weeks apart.

As I stepped into my childhood home, the familiar warmth enveloped me like a comforting blanket. Uncle Raj was the first to notice me, his eyes betraying a hint of disappointment.

"Oh, you're back," he remarked with an air of indifference.

"How's your husband? Is he treating you well?" His words felt like a mockery, and though the truth was far from it, I forced a smile. "I've never been happier."

My smile felt like a facade, but Uncle Raj, a man controlled by his own impulses, failed to see through it. Instead, his expression turned to one of anger.

Turning away from him, I scanned the hallway. I didn't have time to waste on him.

It was Aksh who spotted me first as he descended the stairs. "Di!" he shouted before enveloping me in a bear hug. Despite being fifteen, he still towered over me, a testament to our father's towering height.

The familiar touch of my brother filled me with warmth, and I found myself reluctant to let go when he finally pulled away. But my two sisters, hearing the commotion, rushed downstairs, their arms outstretched.

Oh, how I missed this.

"Where's Ma?" I asked once the flurry of questions about my new life and husband subsided. I didn't have answers for them, and I quickly changed the subject.

"She's in her room. She caught a fever this morning and hasn't been down for breakfast," Diya informed me, prompting me to rush to Ma's room.

The room was dimly lit, and I found Ma wrapped in blankets, shivering.

"Ma?"

My voice startled her, and she sat up straight, her eyes red from crying. It pained me to see her in such a state.

"Ma, tell me what happened? Why are you crying?" I asked, wiping away her tears and cupping her face.

She hugged me tightly, sobbing her worries into my shoulders. I held her close, providing the comfort she so desperately needed.

She seemed to calm down after a while, whispering, "I'm sorry, beta. We should all be celebrating your return."

"Shh, I came for you. Now tell me, Ma, what happened?"

She evaded the question, asking instead, "Where's your husband? Are you happy? Is he here? Oh God, I didn't prepare anything for you guys."

"Ma, calm down. I came alone. He dropped me at the airport. He had an important meeting that couldn't be missed. We were actually planning to come together. Maybe next time we'll visit together," I lied, the words rolling off my tongue effortlessly.

"You're happy, right?" she asked, desperation evident in her voice.

"Of course I am. He's a good guy. Father chose the right man for me," I replied, wondering when I had become so adept at lying. But seeing my mother in this state, it was the only solace I could offer.

"That's a relief. Nitya, I'm really sorry for sending you away like that and making you take responsibility—"

I cut her off with a tight hug. "No more apologies. I came to spend time with you. I have to leave before sunset."

The rest of the day passed in a blur of laughter and shared memories. But as evening approached, Nila pulled me aside, her words sending a chill down my spine.

Uncle Raj beats Ma and summons her to his room every night. She's forced to do things... My blood boiled with anger and hurt, but I forced myself to remain calm. A confrontation now would only make things worse for my family in my absence.

I knew I had only one hope to stop Uncle Raj - my husband. But convincing him would be a challenge. I needed to find a way to earn his trust, and quickly. Seduction might be the only option, but he had never even shown me his face. I had to act fast to save my family from the cruelty of my uncle.

As I bid my farewells, my mother and Diya were in tears, while Uncle Raj seemed all too pleased to see me leave.

The cab dropped me off at the airport, my mind racing with thoughts of how to ask Arjun for help. I honestly didn't have a clue. I finally decided that seduction was my only option.

Arriving back in Mumbai, I hailed another cab to my new home. But something felt off. The driver kept glancing at me through the rearview mirror, taking turns that didn't seem right.

Panicking, I asked, "Where are you taking me?"

"Madam, Bhai asked me to take you to the warehouse."

My heart sank. He knew about my journey.

I was doomed.