***author's pov ***
Rudra walked into the luxurious hotel living area, the adrenaline of the race still pumping through his veins. The ambiance was a mix of soft lighting and modern décor, with large windows offering a panoramic view of the city below. He settled into one of the plush couches, the recent events replaying in his mind.
The victory was his, but Sahil’s threat lingered. He knew Sahil wasn’t the type to let a loss slide so easily, especially when it involved his pride. Rudra leaned back, his thoughts momentarily drifting to Aayara. The mark Arjun left on her neck haunted him, stirring conflicting emotions.
He sighed, knowing that despite his win on the track, the war brewing between him, his brothers, and his own heart was far from over.
Rudra’s jaw tightened as he slowly turned to face the source of the voice. His eyes locked onto Maya, and a flicker of anger passed through him, darkening his gaze. There she stood, the woman who had once been everything to him, and then left him shattered to be with Sahil. The sight of her stirred bitter memories.
"Maya," he muttered, his tone cold and distant, as he massaged his wrist, trying to stay composed despite the surge of emotions.
Maya smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. "Rudra, it’s been a while…"
He scoffed. "Not long enough." His voice was clipped, cutting through the air like a knife. "What do you want?"
She took a hesitant step forward, her confident demeanor faltering. "I… I just wanted to talk."
Rudra raised an eyebrow, his expression hard. "Talk? Or rub it in my face that you chose him?" His voice was filled with contempt, the old wound clearly still raw.
Maya winced but stood her ground. "No, it’s not like that. I made a mistake, Rudra. I—"
"Save it," he interrupted, standing up abruptly, towering over her. "You made your choice. Now live with it." His eyes flashed with a mixture of hurt and anger as he brushed past her, making it clear that their past was something he wasn’t willing to revisit.
They heard a voice ..
Diya approached, her smile warm and genuine as she reached Rudra. Her presence seemed to shift the mood, contrasting sharply with the tension Maya brought. Diya’s eyes sparkled with admiration as she extended a hand towards Rudra.
"Rudra, congratulations on the win! That was an incredible race. I knew you’d pull through!" she said with enthusiasm.
Rudra’s stern expression softened as he looked at Diya, a sense of relief and comfort evident in his eyes. "Thanks, Diya. I appreciate it."
Maya’s face tightened at the sight of Diya, clearly displeased by the interruption. She tried to mask her irritation, forcing a polite smile as she addressed Diya. "Hello, Diya. It’s been a while."
Diya’s smile remained unaffected, though she could sense the underlying tension. "Hi, Maya. Yes, it has been a while. How are you?"
Maya's response was curt, her eyes darting back to Rudra. "I’m fine. Just here to… catch up."
The atmosphere was thick with unspoken emotions as Diya, with her calm demeanor, bridged the gap between them, trying to make the encounter as smooth as possible. Rudra’s gaze shifted between the two women, feeling the weight of their history but choosing to focus on the present and Diya’s support.
Maya's eyes narrowed as she directed a taunting comment at Diya. “You’re just like a leech, aren’t you? Always hanging around, trying to get Rudra’s attention. Some things never change.”
Diya’s smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly composed herself. She looked at Maya with a calm and steady gaze. “I’m here to support Rudra, not to compete with anyone. I’m glad he won the race.”
Rudra’s jaw tightened at Maya’s words. He stepped in, his tone firm and controlled. “Maya, that’s enough. Diya’s here to congratulate me, not to be insulted.”
Maya’s expression shifted to one of defensiveness, but she said nothing more. The tension in the air was palpable as Diya took a step back, her composure unwavering despite the provocation.
Rudra looked at Diya with a softening gaze, noticing the slight distress in her eyes. He gently pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her in a comforting gesture. “Don’t let her get to you,” he said, his voice low and reassuring. “You know you’re always welcome here. It’s just a matter of time before everyone sees what really matters.”
Diya leaned into his embrace slightly, grateful for his support. She offered a faint smile, feeling a sense of relief in his presence. “Thank you, Rudra. I just wanted to be here for you.”
Rudra smiled back, his eyes warm. “And I appreciate it. Let’s just enjoy the moment and not let anything spoil it.”
Maya forced a smile, trying to mask her frustration. "Rudra," she said, her tone somewhat strained, "I was wondering if we could meet up for coffee sometime. Just to catch up, you know?"
Rudra’s eyes narrowed slightly, his demeanor cool but polite. "I’ll think about it, Maya," he replied. "But right now, I’m focused on celebrating and enjoying the evening."
Maya's smile faltered slightly, but she nodded. "Of course. Enjoy your night." She turned and walked away, her expression a mix of disappointment and unresolved tension.
Diya watched Rudra from a distance, her heart aching with unspoken feelings. To her, Rudra was more than just a racing champion; he was a symbol of strength and resilience. His intense focus and determination on the track, combined with his inherent kindness and loyalty to those he cared about, made him irresistibly admirable.
He exuded a quiet confidence, a blend of charm and intensity that drew people in. His rugged good looks, characterized by a chiseled jawline and deep, expressive eyes, only added to his appeal. Despite the glamour of his racing career, Rudra’s demeanor remained grounded and genuine, qualities that made him stand out even more.
Diya’s admiration for him was a quiet, almost painful affection. She had fallen for him the moment she saw him, captivated not only by his physical presence but by the depth she sensed beneath his cool exterior. Her love was a silent one, filled with moments of longing and unspoken words, always watching from the sidelines, cherishing the glimpses of him that she was allowed to see.
YOU ARE READING
Sacred Games Of Twisted Fate {18+}
RomancePyar ek zaher hai aayara, aur ye kambakhat ishq , ek din zaan le lega ye meri . kabhi naa kabhi to mujhe pta chalega ki tumhari aankhein aur tumhari baatein ek dusre se alag kyu hai.. aur tab tak.. sabr .. aur pyar .. pyar sikhaungi tumhe aur sabr...
