Shadowed Desires

Chapter 1

Mumbai
10:00 AM

Atharv Shekhawat, sitting comfortably on the couch, subtly gestured toward the wall clock in front of them.

The sharp brown eyes staring back at him were enough to captivate anyone-but not her.

Atharv spoke coldly, "Miss Kritika, you have two choices now-either marry me right now, or witness your family burning alive in their home... just like you set my penthouse on fire last night. I need my answer within five minutes."

Kritika, standing tall in front of him, took a deep breath. Her voice was steady when she responded,
"I am ready to marry you. But remember one thing, Mr. Shekhawat-this will be the worst deal of your life. You will lose everything in it. Either my family will kill you for marrying me-since we are rivals-or one day, I'll poison you myself."

Atharv stood from the couch, walking close and tracing a finger from his forehead to his jaw. "I love playing with danger. It feels like an adventure to me. And I think... you're going to be my favourite danger."

Kritika snapped, "Now turn off the bomb timer. I'm willingly ready to marry you."

Atharv pulled out his phone and made a call.
"Bomb blast ka plan cancel kar do."
("Cancel the bomb blast plan.")
With an evil smirk, he hung up and told his best friend, Samarth, to start the wedding arrangements.

Within an hour, everything was ready. Kritika was dressed in a saree, while Atharv changed into a fresh set of clothes, both now looking every bit the bride and groom.

---

Time skips...

The two now sat at the mandap as the priest chanted the holy mantras. Garlands were exchanged-symbolising not love, but the binding of two people into inevitable chaos.

Vows were made not to protect-but to destroy each other. The sacred fire, instead of being a witness to union, stood as a reflection of a doomed future. This forbidden alliance would burn everything-hearts, homes, and legacies.

The mangalsutra around Kritika's neck satisfied Atharv-it meant she was now bound to him. But the vermillion in her hairline screamed the end of peace, the beginning of a carefully crafted war.

Once the rituals were complete, the priest declared them husband and wife. Only Samarth bore witness to this dark union.

Atharv leaned in and whispered, "Welcome to hell, darling."

Kritika smirked, "I'll make sure even you turn to ashes in this marriage."

---

News spread across the city like wildfire:
"Kritika Chauhan and Atharv Shekhawat tied the knot in a private ceremony."
Everyone knew their families were sworn political enemies.

---

Now, they stood at the entrance of Shekhawat Villa. Atharv's family looked on, their faces frozen in shock.

Atharv motioned Kritika to step inside, but a voice halted her.

It was his father, Abhinav Shekhawat.

"This girl has no right to enter this house. We'll never allow her to be a part of this family. She belongs to our rivals!"

Atharv shot back, "Being my wife, she has rights over every inch of this house. And she will enter it."

His mother, Riddhima, tried to calm the situation.
"You should speak with some respect when talking to your father."

Atharv replied sharply, "They should also learn to speak respectfully about my wife."