Shiddat

Chapter 26

As the Rathore mansion buzzed with the usual morning activity, the family gathered in the grand hallway, preparing to leave for the day. Arjun, dressed sharply in a tailored suit, was the first to approach the front door. Rohan, who had been casually adjusting his cufflinks, glanced at his elder brother, a silent question in his eyes.

"Are we taking separate cars?" Rohan asked, his tone light but tinged with anticipation. It was common for them to drive together, but the morning's suggested Arjun might prefer his own space.

Arjun paused, considering the question. His gaze drifted toward Ananya, who was standing quietly by the ornate mirror, adjusting the delicate pleats of her saree. The soft fabric draped elegantly over her shoulders, its rich color contrasting with her serene expression.

Ananya looked up surprised and suggested, "Why not let Rohan drive today? That way, we can all arrive together."

Arjun nodded in agreement. "Alright, Rohan, you drive," he said, his voice leaving no room for further discussion.

Rohan simply nodded and grabbed the keys from the polished wooden table near the door. "Let's go, then," he said, pushing open the heavy front door as the family filed out.

As they stepped outside, the sun had fully risen, casting a warm glow over the mansion's expansive driveway. The family walked towards the sleek black car parked at the entrance, its surface gleaming in the morning light. Rohan opened the driver's door and slipped into the seat, adjusting the mirrors with practiced ease.

The ride was brief, but the atmosphere in the car was thick with unspoken tension. The cityscape rushed past, a blur of towering buildings and bustling streets. Ananya sat in the backseat, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts as she traced invisible patterns on the window—a habit she had developed whenever she was deep in thoughts. She wondered if Arjun would be upset with her decision to keep their relationship low-key.

"Rohan, could you pull over there?" Ananya's voice, though soft, carried a note of resolve that broke the silence.

Rohan hesitated, his eyes briefly meeting hers in the rearview mirror, but he complied. The car slowed as he guided it to the side of the road, the tires crunching on the gravel. Just as Ananya reached for the door handle, she felt a gentle yet firm tug on her arm. Turning, she met Arjun's questioning gaze, his dark eyes searching hers with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.

Before she could offer an explanation, Maya spoke up from the front seat, her voice laced with gentle amusement. "Bhai, she has been discreetly getting out a distance from the office, avoiding being seen arriving with us."

Arjun's expression hardened, his gaze locking onto Ananya's. The weight of his scrutiny was almost unbearable, and she felt a pang of guilt twist in her chest. Defeated by his stern look, she slowly released the door handle and settled back into her seat without a word.

The car resumed its journey, and as they neared the office, Ananya's nerves tightened. The towering glass facade of the building loomed ahead, its reflective surface gleaming in the morning sun. Sensing her unease, Arjun instructed Rohan to park in the basement. The underground parking lot was dimly lit, the cool air carrying a faint musty scent. The car's engine rumbled softly as Rohan maneuvered into a spot, the sound echoing off the concrete walls.

The four of them stepped out and made their way to the elevator in silence. Inside the confined space, the quiet was heavy, broken only by the soft hum of the lift. Arjun leaned closer to Ananya, his breath warm against her ear as he spoke in a low, commanding tone. "Come to my cabin," he instructed, leaving no room for debate.

As the elevator doors slid open on the third floor, Maya and Ananya stepped out together. Ananya tugged Maya aside, her anxiety etched clearly on her face. "What should I do? He looks angry," she whispered urgently, her voice trembling with concern.