Mere Piya

CHAPTER-THIRTEEN

A Game of Betrayal and Desire

The night weighed heavy at Kashish Estate, a deceptive calm enveloping the halls. Vedant sat in his dimly lit study, nursing another glass of whiskey, his thoughts spiralling around Aarohi. The warmth of her skin, the defiance in her eyes, and the fire ignited by that kiss were like an inferno he couldn't extinguish. Yet, his hatred for her ran deeper-she was the woman who, to him, had schemed her way into his life, tying him down with lies.

Vedant (murmuring to himself):
"I should've thrown you out that night, Aarohi..." Why can't I hate you the way I want?"

He slammed the glass down on the desk, the whiskey sloshing over the edge. A storm raged inside him-hatred battled with a desire he couldn't name. He hated how she stirred emotions in him, emotions he thought he was incapable of after years of betrayal and distrust.

Meanwhile, Aarohi sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the shadows dancing across the walls. The memory of the kiss haunted her as much as it haunted Vedant. But it wasn't just the kiss-it was the way his anger masked something deeper, something raw and unspoken. She didn't understand why she felt drawn to him, but she knew she couldn't afford to let her guard down.

Flashback
The Past of Abhiman Rajvansh

Across the city, in a dim apartment filled with old photographs and fading memories, Abhiman stared at a picture of a young woman-his mother, Kalandi. She had been Ashok Rajvansh's only daughter, the jewel of the Rajvansh family, until the day she ran away with a man she loved-Abhiman's father-on the morning of her wedding to another.

The story of Kalandi's escape had been told to Abhiman since childhood, each version more twisted than the last. Ashok had banished her from the family, disowning both her and her future children. In Abhiman's mind, Ashok's actions were nothing short of heartless. He blamed the Rajvansh family for his mother's suffering, for the life they had lived in obscurity and poverty.

Abhiman (to himself, bitterly):
"My mother's only crime was loving someone. And for that, they made her an outcast... but not for long."

The truth, however, was something far more complicated. Kalandi hadn't just run away for love; she had fled from a forced marriage orchestrated by Ashok to secure a political alliance. She had sought freedom, but she had also never intended to abandon her family completely. It was Ashok's ego that had twisted the narrative, creating a lifelong rift.

Abhiman, unaware of this truth, carried the rage of a lifetime. His mother had died when he was young, leaving him to piece together their fractured history from secondhand stories. Now, with his own life in tatters, he was determined to avenge her.

Abhiman (in the present, smirking):

"It's time the Rajvansh family pays for what they did. Aarohi... you'll be my key to unlocking everything they tried to take from me."

Abhiman's jaw tightened as he thought of Aarohi. He knew her marriage to Vedant wasn't ordinary; there were cracks in their relationship, cracks he intended to exploit. The trust fund in Aarohi's name was a goldmine-and if used strategically, it would bring Vedant's empire crumbling to its knees.

But he needed allies to carry out his plan. That's where Shivika and Jimmy came in.

At a Darkened Bar: A Dangerous Alliance

Abhiman leaned back in his seat, facing Shivika and Jimmy with a calm, predatory smile. The smoke-filled room was a perfect stage for the dark game they were about to play.

"I know everything about Aarohi's trust firm-the one Vedant doesn't even know exists. With your help, we can use that information to destroy him."

Shivika raised a sceptical brow, swirling her drink.

"Why should we trust you? For all we know, you could just be here to cause more trouble."

Abhiman (smiling slyly):
"Because you want Vedant just as much as I want to ruin him. I'll help you get what you desire, Shivika, and all I need is your cooperation."

Jimmy leaned in, his smirk widening.

"And what's in it for you, Mr. Rajvansh?"

"Everything Vedant has. Everything he holds, dear. I want the Rajvansh empire back in the hands it belongs to-mine. Aarohi... she's just collateral damage."

Shivika exchanged a glance with Jimmy, weighing the proposition. The temptation to bring down Aarohi and reclaim Vedant was too strong to resist.

"If we agree... what's the plan?"

"I need everything you know about Aarohi-her fears, her weaknesses, anything we can use to push her over the edge. Once she falls, Vedant will crumble along with her."

Jimmy chuckled, raising his glass.
Jimmy:
"Sounds like a deal to me."

The three of them shook hands, sealing an alliance born out of revenge and greed.

Back at Kashish Estate: A Brewing Storm

The night stretched on at Kashish Estate. Vedant remained in his study, his thoughts an endless loop of anger and desire. He couldn't stop thinking about Aarohi. The way she challenged him refused to bend under his pressure.

Vedant (whispering):
"Why do you have this hold over me, Aarohi?"

At that moment, the door to the study creaked open, and Aarohi stepped inside. Her expression was guarded, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. She stood across the room, watching Vedant with an intensity that made his pulse quicken.

Aarohi:
"Are you going to ignore me forever, Vedant?"

Vedant's gaze darkened. He stood up, slowly making his way toward her.

Vedant (coldly):
"Why would I waste my time on someone who thrives on deceit?"

Aarohi's fists clenched at his words, but she refused to back down.

Aarohi:
"I never wanted this marriage. But here we are, trapped in this mess. You can hate me all you want, but we're in this together."

Vedant moved closer, his breath hot against her skin.
Vedant (low voice):
"Together? Don't mistake this for a partnership, Aarohi. You may carry my name, but that's where your importance ends."

Aarohi met his gaze, defiance burning in her eyes.
Aarohi:
"Then let's make this clear-I won't be another pawn in your game, Vedant."

For a moment, the air between them was electric, thick with unresolved emotions. Vedant's anger was laced with something dangerous-a desire that refused to be denied. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Aarohi's face, his touch lingering longer than necessary.

Vedant (softly, almost to himself):
"Maybe breaking you won't be as easy as I thought."

Aarohi's heart raced, her mind screaming at her to walk away. But her feet remained rooted in place, trapped by the magnetic pull between them.

The storm inside both of them was far from over-this was only the beginning of a battle, neither was prepared for. But as long as they stood in each other's way, there would be no peace, only chaos... and an attraction neither could resist.

And somewhere in the shadows, Abhiman Rajvansh waited, ready to strike.