Born To Be His Only One

CHAPTER 7

The cool night air wrapped around Sonam as she exited the VASUKI building, her thoughts racing as she made her way to the car waiting for her at the entrance. The streetlights of Mumbai painted the sidewalks with long, distorted shadows, and the familiar hum of the city at night filled her ears. But tonight, everything felt sharper—more dangerous.

She knew Aarav was cunning, a master of manipulation, and there was always more than met the eye when it came to him. The message could be a trap, or it could be genuine. Either way, Sonam had no intention of going in unprepared.

Slipping into the backseat of her armored SUV, she glanced at the driver, one of her most trusted men. “Take me to the docks. Keep your distance once we get close. Stay hidden, but don’t lose sight of me.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the driver replied, his expression professional as he navigated the bustling streets.

As the car smoothly cut through the city, Sonam’s mind wandered to the complexity of her current situation. Aligning with Aarav was necessary, but the partnership was built on fragile ground. Trust wasn’t something she could afford—not fully. The fact that Aarav had insisted on this clandestine meeting sent alarms through her system, but she couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that there was more at play.

The docks loomed ahead as they neared the industrial district, the scent of saltwater thick in the air. Stacks of shipping containers and warehouses cast imposing silhouettes against the dark sky. It was the perfect place for a meeting like this—remote, devoid of unnecessary eyes, and ideal for discretion.

“We’re here,” the driver murmured, pulling into a secluded area a block away from the docks.

Sonam nodded, slipping out of the car. She moved quietly, her boots barely making a sound against the concrete as she approached the docks. She’d sent a message to Vishakha just in case something went wrong, but she didn’t expect to need backup. Not yet, anyway.

When she reached the designated meeting point, Aarav was already there, leaning casually against a shipping container. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were sharp, scanning the surroundings like a predator waiting for its prey. He looked up as she approached, his gaze locking onto hers in an instant.

“You’re punctual,” Aarav remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“I don’t like wasting time,” Sonam replied curtly, stopping a few feet away from him. “What’s this about?”

Aarav’s expression darkened, and his playful demeanor vanished, replaced by the calculated intensity Sonam had come to expect from him. “We have a problem. The Black Serpents are making their move faster than we anticipated.”

Sonam raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “What kind of move?”

“They’re preparing for a major offensive. I’ve intercepted intel that suggests they’re planning to hit one of your main distribution hubs in the next forty-eight hours. It’s not just an attack—it’s a message. They want to cripple your operations and send a clear signal that they’re not afraid to go to war with you.”

Sonam’s jaw tightened. She had expected a challenge, but an all-out offensive this soon? That was bolder than she had anticipated. “How reliable is this intel?”

Aarav’s eyes narrowed. “Very. My sources have been tracking their movements for weeks. They’re mobilizing forces, gathering weapons, and preparing for an all-out assault. If you don’t act now, they’ll catch you off guard.”

Sonam studied his face, searching for any sign of deception, but Aarav’s expression remained cold and serious. This wasn’t a game. The Black Serpents were ready to strike, and if Aarav was telling the truth, the clock was ticking.