His Twisted Desire

Chapter 11

THE FAMILY DINNER.

In the elegant dining hall of the sprawling Mehta estate, adorned with flickering candles and rich tapestries, the family gathered for a formal dinner. Dadi sat at the head of the table, her silver hair gleaming under the soft glow of the chandeliers. She raised her glass, her eyes twinkling with admiration as she directed her praise towards Riya.

"Riya, my dear," Dadi began warmly, her voice carrying across the polished wood, "your kindness towards me at the temple—it truly touched my heart. You are a gem. That's why I am so happy that you are marrying my grandson..."

Riya, seated with graceful poise at the table, merely nodded in acknowledgment, her attention focused on her plate as she delicately sampled each course. Food first.

Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, complementing her rosy complexion and expressive brown eyes which were eyeing the dishes while thinking which one to try next.
I may be in the middle of existential crisis, but my god!!!these look delicious.

Deepti, seated nearby with a forced smile, clenched her napkin tightly in her lap. Her eyes darted between Riya and Jai, who seemed oblivious to anyone but Riya. His gaze lingered on her, his features softened by admiration, which only served to exacerbate Deepti's growing envy.

I am sitting right next you dammit! It's just like those college days. No matter how hard I try, his eyes were always on her. Even now, when the day after tomorrow is our marriage, his eyes are still on her.

Jai, the so-called charming heir of the Mehta empire, paid little attention to Deepti's subtle glares. His focus remained steadfastly on Riya, his eyes tracing her every movement with a mixture of fondness and longing.

Deepti went near Riya who was almost finishing her dinner and was on her way to kitchen. Deepti cleared her throat, grabbing everyones attention. Riya stopped on her way and turned towards Deepti,who is blocking her way.

"You are blocking my way."said Riya with a expressionless face. "Give me that, I will help you."said deepti with a smile that gave Riya creeps.

"You?"

"Yes,me"

"Helping...me?"

"Yep "

"No thanks."

"Oh come on Riya, give it to me, you have been working so hard, just relax and drink this orange juice."said Deepti with a masked intention.

Riya thought to herself, "this evil witch wouldn't even give me water  even if I was dying of thirst on the floor. What is she plotting?"

"You want to help. Go ahead. No need for the juice."said Riya.

"Aww, come on Riya. Dadi, Riya is not accepting my offer."

This irritating witch.

"Riya beti. Relax dear. It's a drink. Have it before you sleep."

Just a drink?! She definitely added poison in that.

Then to her suprise, Deepti took a sip of the drink and said, " see, it tastes divine, here,have it"

So.... not a poison... Then ok. What worse could it be?

"Fine" with that Riya took the drink and handed overed the plate to deepti. Riya took a sip of the drink and...shit... poison..my butt... it's alcohol... that witch.

Deepti, aware of Riya's vulnerability to alcohol, saw an opportunity to spoil Riya's image and gave her alcohol mixed orange juice.

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