Sacred Games Of Twisted Fate {18+}

MARK?

***author's pov***

As Arjun descended the stairs, a dark smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. His thoughts drifted back to Aayara, to the mark he had left on her delicate skin. The way she had flinched and winced under his touch fueled his sense of power. He reveled in the control he held over her, knowing that every glance at that mark would remind her of who she belonged to now.

To him, it was more than just a mark-it was a symbol of dominance, of ownership.

Rudra noticed Arjun's dark smirk as he descended the stairs, and a sense of unease settled in his chest. He had seen that expression before-cold, calculating, and filled with something sinister. It made Rudra wonder what could have happened to make Arjun look that satisfied. His mind wandered back to Aayara, locked away in the room next to Arjun's.

A frown creased Rudra's forehead. Could Arjun's smirk have something to do with her? The thought nagged at him, unsettling him even more. He had seen the pain in Aayara's eyes, and the memory of that weighed heavily on his conscience. Rudra clenched his fists, silently observing his older brother, unsure of what to do next.

Arjun noticed Rudra's intense gaze and raised an eyebrow, smirking as he walked over to him.

"Kya dekh raha hai, Rudra?" Arjun asked casually, his voice laced with amusement. "Kuch kehna hai?" ( What are you looking at rudra ? , want to say something? "

Rudra hesitated for a moment, his jaw clenched. "Bhai, woh ladki... Aayara... tum uske saath kya kar rahe ho?" His voice was tense, laced with concern. ( Bro , that girl..... Aayara ... What are you doing with her ? " )

Arjun chuckled darkly. "Woh meri hai, Rudra. Jo bhi karna hai, main karunga. Tumhe koi parwaah nahi honi chahiye." ( She is mine , I will do whatever with her, you shouldn't be worried about anything).

Rudra's fists clenched at Arjun's words, but he kept his voice steady. "Lekin bhai, aise... log kya kahenge? Aur tum... uske saath-" ( but bro, like this... What will people say ? , and you ... With her -- ")

Arjun's eyes darkened, cutting him off sharply. "Mujhe kisi ki parwaah nahi hai, Rudra. Aur tumhe bhi nahi honi chahiye." He smirked again, "Woh ladki meri hai, aur jo bhi main karunga, sirf main decide karunga." ( I don't care about anyone rudra ,that girl is mine, and whatever happens , I will be the one to deside).

Rudra stared at his brother, conflicted, feeling powerless yet unable to ignore the growing turmoil inside him.

Daksh came running down the stairs, his backpack slung over one shoulder, and his shirt half tucked in. He glanced at his watch and muttered, "I'm so late!"

As he rushed past the dining room, he spotted Arjun and Rudra, who were still deep in conversation. "Bhai! I'm heading out. I'll be late for class!" he called out hurriedly, grabbing a piece of toast from the table.

Arjun glanced at him briefly and nodded. "Get going, Daksh. And don't be careless on the road," he said with a hint of authority.

Daksh flashed a quick grin, "Don't worry, Bhai. I'll be fine!" With that, he dashed out of the house, already late but still his usual carefree self.

As Arjun walked out, heading toward his car, Rudra stood still, his eyes lingering on his older brother. There was something about the way Arjun carried himself-confident, ruthless, and always in control. But today, Rudra sensed something different. The smirk Arjun had earlier, the cold satisfaction in his eyes, it unsettled him.

Rudra crossed his arms, watching as Arjun got into his car. His thoughts raced, wondering what exactly was going through Arjun's mind. Something was off, and Rudra couldn't shake the feeling that whatever it was, it involved the girl Arjun had brought to their mansion.

As Arjun's car sped off toward the office, Rudra stood there, deep in thought, still trying to figure out what his brother was planning next.

Rudra hesitated at the door to Aayara's room before quietly stepping inside. His heart raced as he saw her sitting by the window, looking fragile and lost. She didn't notice him at first, but when she did, her eyes widened in fear. He held up his hands, trying to appear non-threatening.

"I just wanted to check on you," Rudra said softly, his usual confidence wavering. There was something about seeing her in this state that unsettled him.

Aayara looked at him cautiously, her body tense. "Why do you care?" she whispered, her voice hoarse from exhaustion and fear.

Rudra sighed, unsure of how to respond. He wasn't even sure why he was there, but seeing her like this, chained by his brother's cruel actions, made him feel something he hadn't expected-guilt.

"I'm not like him," Rudra finally said, his voice low. "I won't hurt you."

His eyes wandered over her form stopping at a spot .

Rudra's eyes widened as they fell on the dark bruise marring Aayara's neck-the mark left by Arjun. He clenched his fists, anger flaring inside him. He couldn't believe how far his brother had gone.

Aayara noticed his gaze and quickly covered the mark with her hand, lowering her head in shame. "It's nothing," she muttered, trying to hide the pain in her voice.

Rudra shook his head, his voice heavy with regret. "It's not nothing. No one deserves this." He stepped closer, his frustration barely contained. "I'll find a way to help you. You won't have to endure this forever."

Aayara glanced up, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and disbelief. She wasn't sure whether to trust him, but something in his voice made her want to believe.

Rudra's jealousy simmered beneath the surface as he stared at the mark on Aayara's neck. His frustration grew, but he knew he was powerless to go against Arjun, his older brother. The weight of the family hierarchy crushed his will to act, leaving him torn between his emotions and his loyalty.

His jaw clenched as he struggled to contain his feelings. The anger and helplessness gnawed at him, but all he could do was stand there, staring at the mark-an undeniable reminder of Arjun's control over Aayara.

Rudra got up and took out a cream from his bag. He approached Aayara and handed it to her. "This might help with the mark and the irritation," he said softly. His tone was gentle, contrasting with his inner turmoil.

Aayara took the cream hesitantly, her eyes filled with gratitude and confusion.

Aayara smiled faintly as she took the cream from Rudra. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Rudra nodded, his expression a mix of concern and frustration as he watched her apply the cream.

Rudra hesitated, his hand lingering as he watched her apply the cream. His internal struggle was visible, torn between his desire to help her and the boundaries he felt he couldn't cross. He took a deep breath and looked away, trying to regain his composure.

Rudra quickly prepared to leave for his secret car race. He glanced back at Aayara, who was now applying the cream herself, and then headed out, mentally preparing for the adrenaline rush of the race and the need to keep his racing life separate from his responsibilities at Oberoi Industries.