SHADOWS OF THE BLOODLINE

Chapter 18

A call interrupted Hardik's morning sleep. Natasha was cuddling him when he reached for the phone.

"Yes, Siraj, tell me."

"I got information on that traitor who sold us," Siraj said, his voice urgent.

"The one I killed?" Hardik asked, his tone hardening.

"Yes."

"What is it?"

"It's pretty serious. We need to talk in person," Siraj said.

"You know I can handle it," Hardik said sarcastically.

"I don't think so. Rahul is involved in it."

"What? Wait... Meet me at my mansion."

"Sure."

Siraj ended the call, only to be confronted by Bumrah.

"What are you going to tell him?" Bumrah asked.

"The truth," Siraj replied unapologetically.

"Do you know the consequences it can bring on their lives? Hardik will not leave Rahul alone."

"Then what should I tell him? Hide the truth? He pays me well and takes care of me like a brother. I think he deserves to know the truth from what I am seeing."

"I wish you hadn't made this decision."

"I don't think so. The truth will always come out, no matter how much you hide it. And if it involves love for someone, it has to come out."

Bumrah looked at Siraj, who left the place. He immediately dialed Rahul's number.

"Rahul, I think we need to talk."

Hardik reached the mansion. Siraj was already waiting for him.

"Don't waste my time, Siraj. Spit it out fast."

Siraj looked at Bumrah and started talking. "It seems Rahul already knew about the people who are against us within our circle. So he tried to get hold of them. That's why he left Mumbai. He was working on it. Athiya's father turned out to be an aid to Rahul. He was killed by our enemies, and somehow Athiya ended up with Rahul for one night. The people in the village made accusations against him and her. They were trying to kill her. So Rahul took responsibility and married her."

"So you are saying that they were never together in the beginning?" Hardik asked, his eyes filling with tears.

"I believe so."

Just then, Rahul reached the house. The tension was palpable as he walked in, knowing that every secret he had kept was now out.

Rahul sat down on the sofa, his head in his hands. Hardik sat beside him.

"Tell me that what Siraj said is a lie. Tell me you cheated on me to be with that girl. Tell me you are happy with that girl. Tell me that you moved on from me. Look into my eyes, Rahul, and tell me that, dammit. Rahul!" Hardik yelled, his voice filled with anger and desperation.

"I am sorry. I just love her," Rahul said, but before he could finish, Hardik slapped him hard.

"How long are you going to lie to me, to yourself? Rahul, just say it once—that you are mine. That you have always been mine."

"Hardik, please don't do this to me. You are married."

"Yes, I married because I thought you betrayed me. Do you love her?"

Rahul didn't reply. He kept his head down.

Hardik moved away, feeling the need to do something drastic to make Rahul open his heart. He hit the glass table next to Rahul, shattering it. Blood oozed from his hand.