Shadows of Obsession

Prologue

The soft glow of the evening sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a warm light over the luxurious penthouse that Shivansh Singh Rathore called home. He stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of his tailored suit pants, watching the city below with a thoughtful expression. The world outside was chaotic and ruthless—a perfect reflection of the world he thrived in. But in this moment, the only thing on his mind was the woman seated on the plush sofa behind him, her brow furrowed in concentration as she reviewed documents.

Mannat Kaur Sandhu, his wife. The CA, who was as sharp as she was beautiful, was currently plotting something that made him both proud and intrigued.

"Shiv," Mannat called, not looking up from her work, "I think I've found the perfect loophole to ensure Ranvijay gets what he deserves."

Shivansh turned, a slow smile spreading across his face as he sauntered over to her. "Meri Jaan, you really are something else, you know that?" His voice was smooth, laced with admiration, and just the right amount of teasing.

Mannat finally looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Is that your way of saying I'm doing all the work while you sit there looking pretty?"

He chuckled, a deep, rich sound that always sent a shiver down her spine, though she'd never admit it. "Pretty? I thought I was the ruthless one in this relationship."

She smirked, placing the documents down and leaning back against the sofa. "Only when you need to be. Otherwise, you're just a big softie."

Shivansh shook his head, clearly amused by their banter, and settled beside her, his arm draping over the back of the sofa as he leaned in closer, his gaze locking with hers. "If you were my rival, Jaan," he said softly, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "I'd have to try a lot harder to fight back. Because, Meri Jaan, you're the perfect example of beauty with brains. It's a good thing you're on my side."

Her cheeks flushed slightly at the intensity in his gaze, but she masked it with a light laugh. "Shiv, don't flatter me too much. I might start expecting flowers and chocolates next."

"Oh, we can arrange that," he teased, his lips brushing against her cheek in a gentle kiss. "But seriously, Mannat, I'm proud of you. The way you're handling Ranvijay is brilliant. I can't wait to see your next move."

She smiled, the warmth in his words wrapping around her like a cozy blanket. "Well, you'll just have to wait and see, won't you? Maybe I'll even surprise you."

"Surprises from you?" He grinned, his hand trailing down to lightly brush against hers. "I'm looking forward to it."

They sat there, the air between them charged with an unspoken connection that neither of them was ready to fully acknowledge. The banter was light, the affection genuine, but beneath it all was the undeniable truth that their partnership was becoming something more. Something deeper.

Shivansh sighed contentedly, leaning back onto the sofa with a satisfied smile. "You know, Mannat, if this is what married life with you is like, I think I'm going to enjoy it."

Mannat rolled her eyes playfully, but her heart skipped a beat at his words. "Just don't get too comfortable, Shiv. I'm not done yet."

He chuckled, his fingers lacing with hers. "Good. Because neither am I."