Sacred Games Of Twisted Fate {18+}

*GIRLFRIEND OR WHORE?*

***author's pov***

Meera: Meera entered the dining room, her face carefully neutral, though her eyes carried the usual sharpness. She walked to her seat with an air of authority, Mehak trailing behind her with a slight smirk on her face. The brothers, Daksh and Rudra, were already seated, casually chatting.

Aayara: Aayara walked in nervously, trying to keep her composure, feeling the tension in the room. She glanced at Arjun, who was sitting quietly at the head of the table, his face unreadable. Her mind was still racing from the earlier encounter, and the thought of sitting at the same table with him made her stomach churn.

Meera gave Aayara a fleeting, cold glance as she took her seat next to Arjun. “So, Aayara,” Meera began, her voice honeyed but with an undercurrent of malice, “how are you adjusting to everything? I hope you’re not finding things… too difficult?”

Aayara looked up, swallowing her anxiety. “I’m managing, thank you,” she replied softly, her hands trembling slightly as she picked up her fork. She could feel everyone’s eyes on her, especially Arjun’s piercing gaze.

Arjun remained silent, watching the interaction closely. His smirk was almost imperceptible as he observed how Aayara handled herself under pressure. He didn’t interfere, letting Meera’s words work their magic, testing Aayara’s resolve.

Daksh, who had been silently observing the tension between his stepmother and Aayara, rolled his eyes, more interested in his phone than the drama at the table. His mind was still focused on the day’s events with Payal and Mehak, irritated by their constant meddling.

Rudra, on the other hand, watched the entire scene carefully, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. He hated seeing Aayara treated this way, but he knew now wasn’t the time to act. His eyes flickered toward Arjun, and a muscle in his jaw clenched. He’d have to find a way to intervene soon.

Mehak chimed in, her voice sugary sweet but with a clear edge. “Yes, it must be hard adjusting here with so many new rules. I hope you’re able to keep up, Aayara.”

Aayara gave a polite smile, though inside, she felt small. “I’m doing my best,” she whispered, trying to remain strong despite the clear hostility.

Arjun, growing tired of the subtle verbal assault, finally spoke, his voice calm but commanding. “Enough,” he said, his eyes flashing toward Meera and Mehak. “Aayara will adjust in her own time. She doesn’t need anyone questioning her.” His tone left no room for argument, effectively silencing the tension at the table.

Meera’s lips curled into a smirk as she leaned back in her chair, her eyes locked on Arjun, then slowly shifted toward Aayara. “Well, Arjun,” she began, her tone dripping with venom, “is she your girlfriend or... just another whore?”

Aayara froze, her breath caught in her throat. The word "whore" echoed in her mind, and she felt her heart race with a mixture of shame and shock. She glanced at Arjun, unsure of how he would react.

Arjun’s expression darkened immediately. His fist clenched under the table, the veins on his hand becoming visible. He slowly turned his gaze to Meera, his eyes cold and filled with anger. “Watch your mouth,” he warned in a low, dangerous voice. “You don’t get to question my decisions.”

Meera chuckled, clearly enjoying the tension she had sparked. “Oh, relax, Arjun. I’m just curious. I mean, the poor girl looks so lost here, and everyone’s wondering what she’s really doing in this house.”

Aayara, though still shaken, couldn’t stay silent any longer. She spoke up, her voice trembling but determined. “I’m not here because of anything you think,” she said, glaring at Meera. “I’m here because of circumstances, not by choice.”

Arjun didn’t let Aayara continue. He stood up abruptly, towering over the table, his voice commanding the room. “Enough,” he growled, his gaze piercing into Meera’s. “You will respect her. Or else.”

Daksh, who had been watching the entire exchange, raised an eyebrow, half-amused. He leaned back, muttering under his breath, “Well, this just got interesting.”

Meera’s smirk didn’t falter, but she dropped her gaze, signaling a temporary retreat. “Of course, Arjun. As you wish,” she said smoothly, though her tone still carried that underlying edge of mockery.

Aayara stayed quiet after that, her body tense and her mind racing. She knew that the dynamics in this family were more dangerous than she had realized.