His dark obsession

29. The girl?

Anirudh's informant handed him a photograph, and his eyes widened as he took in Samyuktika's captivating smile.

Her striking features, radiant complexion, and luminous eyes leapt off the page.

"Stunning," Anirudh breathed, his gaze lingering.

For a moment, his vendetta against Ekansh Rai forgot, replaced by an unexpected spark of intrigue.

"Who is she, really?" Anirudh asked, his voice softer.

The informant hesitated.

"Not much is known, sir. She's from a humble background, was a teacher... Ekansh's family arranged the marriage."

Anirudh's eyes narrowed.

"Arranged marriage"

"Yes, sir. Whispers suggest Ekansh's family chose her to secure their legacy."

Anirudh's mind whirled.

"A pawn in their game," he muttered.

His gaze returned to the photo, studying Samyuktika's expression.

"Innocent," he thought, "and potentially... useful."

Anirudh's eyes burned with intensity as he gazed at Samyuktika's photo.

"She should be mine," he whispered, his voice laced with possessiveness.

The informant shifted uncomfortably.

"Sir, she's Ekansh Rai's wife—"

Anirudh's gaze snapped up, cutting off the informant.

"I don't care about Ekansh's claims," he growled. "She's the key to destroying him, and I'll stop at nothing to make her mine."

His words dripped with malice, fueled by a growing obsession.

The informant nodded, recognizing the danger in Anirudh's tone.

"I'll arrange for you to meet her, sir," he said, backing away.

Anirudh's smile spread, sinister and calculating.

"Make it happen."

As the informant departed, Anirudh's thoughts consumed him.

Samyuktika, the beautiful teacher, would soon become his pawn.

He envisioned her by his side, a trophy to rub in Ekansh's face.

But little did Anirudh know, Samyuktika held secrets of her own.

The two women beside Anirudh, who had been vying for his attention, now gazed at him with icy stares.

"Who is this Samyuktika?" one of them spat, her voice laced with venom.

Anirudh's smile faltered, sensing the sudden tension.

"Just a business opportunity," he attempted to downplay.

But the women weren't fooled.

"You're obsessed with her," the other woman accused, her tone dripping with jealousy.

Anirudh shrugged.

"Perhaps," he admitted. "But it's not about love. It's about power."

The women exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions cold.

"You're using us," the first woman hissed.

Anirudh's eyes narrowed.

"You knew the game," he reminded them. "Don't pretend to be innocent."