Sacred Games Of Twisted Fate {18+}

*TOUCH HER AGAIN, AND REGRET IT*

***author's pov***

As the race started, the roar of engines filled the air. The cars zoomed past the starting line, their headlights cutting through the night. Sahil's car sped ahead, maintaining a steady lead, while Rudra's was right behind, closing in fast. The crowd erupted into cheers and whistles, with everyone’s eyes glued to the track.

Payal stood at the edge, her heart racing as she watched her brother skillfully maneuver through the tight turns. Her gaze flickered to Daksh, who stood confidently near Rudra’s car, his eyes locked on the race with a smirk on his face.

The atmosphere was electric, buzzing with excitement as the engines roared to life. The race track was surrounded by spectators, all on their feet, shouting and cheering as the cars zoomed past in a blur. The night air was thick with the smell of burning rubber and gasoline, the sounds of tires screeching against the asphalt sending waves of adrenaline through the crowd.

Bright headlights pierced the darkness as the cars zipped around the sharp bends. The announcer's voice crackled through the speakers, narrating every twist and turn of the race with high intensity.

Groups of people waved flags and held up banners, screaming out their favorite racers’ names. Some were leaning over the barricades, eyes wide, as they tracked every car's move. Girls with checkered flags stood near the sidelines, bouncing with excitement, while others clapped and whistled.

Payal’s heart pounded in sync with the roar of the engines. She could feel the ground shake as the cars zoomed by, the thrill of the race pulling her in deeper. Every second counted, and every turn felt like a make-or-break moment. The energy was contagious, with people chanting louder and louder as the cars sped through the next lap, making it clear this was no ordinary race—it was a battle of speed, skill, and pride.

Payal froze as she felt an unfamiliar hand grip her waist. Her heart pounded, and a chill ran down her spine. She turned slightly, realizing it wasn’t Daksh. The hand was rough, the presence behind her unfamiliar.

She looked over her shoulder and saw a man standing too close, a smirk playing on his lips. His eyes glinted mischievously as he leaned in, tightening his hold.

"Standing here alone?" he asked in a mocking tone, clearly enjoying her discomfort.

Payal's body tensed as she tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened. Just as she was about to speak, a familiar, cold voice cut through the roar of engines and cheers around them.

"Take your hand off her," Daksh's voice was icy, carrying a quiet authority that demanded immediate attention.

The guy froze, startled by the sudden command. Reluctantly, he loosened his grip, and Payal quickly stepped away, her eyes darting to Daksh. His expression was dark, fists clenched as he stepped forward, his towering presence intimidating the man who had dared to touch her.

The man chuckled awkwardly, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, man, no harm done," he said, trying to defuse the tension, but his smile faltered under Daksh’s unrelenting glare.

Daksh took a step closer, his jaw clenched tightly. "I don’t care what you thought," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Touch her again, and you’ll regret it."

The man gulped, clearly not wanting to push his luck any further. He nodded quickly, muttering, "Got it, no problem," before quickly backing away, disappearing into the crowd.

Payal’s heart was still racing, but as Daksh turned to face her, she could feel a mix of relief and something else—something unsettling. His protective nature was undeniable, but there was an intensity in his gaze that made her nervous.

"You okay?" Daksh asked, his voice softer now, though his eyes still held that dark glint.

She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah, I’m fine."

Daksh’s eyes lingered on her for a moment longer, then he stepped back, his expression unreadable.

Payal felt overwhelmed by the chaos of the arena—the loud cheers, roaring engines, and bustling crowd. Her heart raced, and the air felt thick. Not used to such noise and energy, she quietly excused herself and slipped towards the restroom, seeking a moment of peace.

As she entered the restroom, the sound of the race became a muffled roar behind her. She leaned against the sink, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her breathing was heavy, and she tried to calm herself. The excitement of the race and Daksh's intense gaze still lingered in her mind, making her feel even more uneasy.

"Get it together," she whispered to herself, splashing cold water on her face, trying to shake off the anxiety.

Payal's heart skipped a beat as she noticed the man from earlier entering the restroom. He stood at the doorway, smirking, his eyes glinting with something unsettling. She froze, gripping the edge of the sink, unsure of what to do. The air around her seemed to thicken with tension as he slowly stepped closer.

"What's the rush, sweetheart?" he drawled, his voice laced with amusement. "Thought I'd lost you for a second."

Payal's breath quickened, her mind racing for a way out. She glanced towards the door but knew it would be too late if she ran. She swallowed hard, trying to mask her fear, but the man’s smirk widened as if he could sense it.

"You shouldn't be here," she said, her voice trembling despite her attempt to stay composed.

"Oh, but I think I should," he responded, stepping even closer, his presence suffocating.

In that moment, Payal's pulse raced, and she knew she had to act fast.

Payal’s voice shook as she backed away, her eyes darting around the small restroom for an escape.

"You don't know who my brother is! Move back now," she stammered, trying to sound more confident than she felt.

The man chuckled darkly, clearly unfazed by her words. "Oh, I know exactly who your brother is, sweetheart. But right now, he’s not here, is he?" He took another step forward, his smirk growing wider.

Payal’s hands clenched at her sides, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the cold tile wall behind her, trapping her in place. Her breath hitched, but before she could react, the door swung open with a loud bang.

Daksh stood there, eyes blazing with fury, jaw clenched as he took in the scene. Without a word, he lunged forward, grabbing the man's collar, yanking him back with brutal force.

"You’ve made a mistake," Daksh hissed, his voice low and dangerous, pulling the man away from Payal.