Twin Inferno

15.hostage

Rudra’s POV

The tension in my office was palpable. I had spent days concocting a plan to get Esha to agree to my demands. Ehaan’s machinations had put Siya in grave danger, and if I had to play dirty to protect her, so be it. But my method was not without its own moral compromise.

I had managed to get Esha alone, away from prying eyes and ears. She was strong-willed, but she was also vulnerable in ways she never openly admitted. Today, I intended to use that vulnerability to my advantage.

Esha entered the room with a scowl on her face. “Rudra, what is this about? You said you wanted to discuss the project. I don’t have time for your games.”

I leaned back in my chair, a calm facade masking the storm brewing inside me. “Esha, it’s not just about the project. There’s something else I need from you. And it involves a personal matter.”

Her eyes narrowed. “What are you talking about?”

I stood up and approached her, my tone dropping to a low, menacing whisper. “I have come into possession of some very incriminating information about you. Information that could destroy your life.”

Her face paled. “What are you trying to say?”

I reached into my drawer and pulled out a file, opening it to reveal photos and documents that detailed the dark truth of her past. “I know about your mother. The truth about her death. The one you’ve worked so hard to keep buried.”

Esha’s eyes widened in horror. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Oh, but I would,” I said, my voice cold and unwavering. “I have enough evidence to expose everything—how you murdered her and framed it as an accident. If this were to get out, it would ruin your reputation, your life, and everything you’ve built.”

She took a step back, her bravado faltering. “You’re a monster, Rudra.”

I didn’t flinch. “I’m just a man who’s desperate to protect someone he cares about. And you’re going to help me do that.”

Esha’s fists clenched at her sides. “What do you want from me?”

“I need you to stay with me,” I said, “as my wife. Or rather, my hostage. Until Ehaan agrees to release Siya. Once that’s done, you’re free to go.”

Her eyes blazed with anger, but I could see the fear beneath it. “You can’t force me into this. I’ll fight you every step of the way.”

“I’m not asking for your permission,” I said. “I’m giving you a choice: cooperate with me and keep this secret safe, or watch as your world unravels. The decision is yours.”

Esha’s anger was palpable, but it was overshadowed by her fear. I could see her struggling with the reality of the situation. She knew I wasn’t bluffing. I had the power to make her worst fears come true.

With a defeated sigh, Esha’s shoulders slumped. “Fine. I’ll do it. But know this, Rudra: I will never forgive you for this.”

“Good,” I said, the satisfaction of victory settling in. “I’ll have the necessary arrangements made for your stay. You’ll be my guest—until Ehaan releases Siya.”

As Esha left my office, her expression a mix of anger and resignation, I felt a pang of guilt. Using her as a pawn in this cruel game was a harsh reality I hadn’t anticipated, but it was necessary. Siya’s safety was my priority, and if blackmailing Esha was the means to that end, then I would see it through.

The next few days were fraught with tension as I prepared for Esha’s arrival at my mansion. I had to ensure that she was kept under tight security, away from Ehaan’s reach, and that Siya remained safe.

In the end, it wasn’t just about winning this battle. It was about ensuring that Siya and I could have a future free from the shadow of Ehaan’s vengeance. And if I had to walk through the darkest of paths to achieve that, then I would do so, regardless of the cost.