Sacred Games Of Twisted Fate {18+}

*DIFFERENT THOUGHTS*

***author's pov***

Aayara couldn’t bear the weight of the humiliation that hung in the air. She bit her lip, forcing back the sting of tears. Her appetite had long disappeared, replaced by a gnawing sense of shame. Without another word, she pushed her chair back and stood up, avoiding everyone’s eyes.

As she quietly walked out of the dining room, the tension lingered, and all eyes followed her. Her footsteps echoed softly in the silence, and she hurried back to her room, desperate to escape the suffocating atmosphere.

Once inside her room, she shut the door and leaned against it, finally letting the tears she had been holding in fall. The humiliation, the constant power play between Meera and Arjun—it all felt like too much.

Arjun clenched his jaw, his eyes darkening as Meera's mocking words lingered in the air. His irritation was evident, but he remained silent for the moment, his fists tightening beneath the table. Meera had always tested his patience, but this was different—she was pushing buttons she shouldn’t.

He stared at the door Aayara had walked through, his mind swirling with frustration. He didn’t care for Meera’s opinions, but the way Aayara had left the room struck a nerve. The fragile control he had over the situation was slipping.

Without saying a word, he abruptly stood up from the table, his chair scraping loudly against the floor, and walked out, leaving a tense silence behind him.

Rudra twisted his tongue in frustration, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at Meera. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, and asked in a low, biting tone, “Did you do that on purpose, Meera? You knew exactly what you were doing.”

Meera gave a dismissive shrug, her lips curving into a sly smile. “Oh, Rudra, don’t be so dramatic. I was just making conversation. If Arjun can’t handle a little truth, that’s on him.”

Rudra's jaw clenched, his anger simmering. He hated the games Meera played. "You’re stirring things up for no reason. What’s your angle this time?” he demanded, his voice thick with irritation.

Meera's smile only widened. “Oh, you’ll see. Patience, Rudra. All in good time.”

Rudra shook his head, visibly pissed but keeping his composure for the moment.

Rudra walked into his room, slamming the door behind him. His mind was clouded with thoughts of Aayara. Her face flashed in his memory—those wide, innocent eyes, the way she looked when Meera humiliated her at the dinner table. He clenched his fists, feeling a surge of protectiveness he hadn’t expected.

He couldn’t shake the image of her biting her lip, standing up silently, walking out without a word. It gnawed at him, making his anger boil over. He ran a hand through his hair in frustration, pacing the room. Why did it bother him so much? Why was she constantly on his mind?

Grabbing the edge of his desk, he leaned forward, trying to shake off the thoughts, but it was useless. Her face, her vulnerability—it all stuck with him like a thorn under his skin.

Rudra glanced at his phone, seeing the message from his Blue Sapphire group. They were celebrating his latest win in the underground racing circuit—a victory he should’ve been thrilled about. Normally, he’d be the first to show up, basking in the attention and excitement, but tonight, he wasn’t sure.

He stared at the text for a moment, his mind still spinning with thoughts of Aayara. The thrill of the race, the parties, the adrenaline—it all seemed distant compared to the unsettling feeling gnawing at him. With a sigh, he threw the phone on his bed and leaned back against the wall, conflicted.

Part of him wanted to go, to escape the mess at home and let loose. But another part of him couldn't shake the image of Aayara's face from dinner, that mix of humiliation and silent strength. He wasn't sure what was bothering him more—his feelings about her or the fact that she seemed to be affecting him at all.

Meera smirked, adjusting her jewelry as she walked beside Mehak. "Oh darling, Arjun may get angry, but he won't dare confront me over this," she said confidently. "Besides, we need to remind everyone of their place. That girl, Aayara, is nothing but a distraction for him. She's beneath us."

Mehak chuckled softly, nodding. "But don't you think you're pushing too much, mummy? Arjun bhaiya’s temper is dangerous."

Meera waved her hand dismissively. "Arjun can be controlled, my dear. He may act powerful, but even the strongest men have their weaknesses. Aayara is just a pawn in a much bigger game. Let’s see how long she lasts."

Mehak smirked, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "Whatever you say, mummy. This should be interesting."

Daksh leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, an eyebrow raised in curiosity. "Interesting, huh?" he said, his voice laced with sarcasm.

Mehak and Meera froze for a second before Mehak quickly composed herself, flashing a fake smile. "Oh, Daksh! We were just... chatting."

Daksh stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "I heard enough. You two are playing games again, aren’t you? Why do you always have to stir things up?" His tone was sharp, clearly unimpressed with their scheming.

Meera smiled calmly, unfazed. "It's called keeping control, Daksh. Something you'll understand when you're in charge."

Daksh snorted, "I don't need to play your petty mind games to control anything, especially not people." He shot Mehak a look. "And you better watch it. Messing with Arjun or Aayara could blow up in your face."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Mehak and Meera exchanging uneasy glances.