Embers of Obsession

chapter 5

Aaradhya knew that patience would be her greatest ally. As she moved through her days in the zamindar's household, her mind was constantly at work, plotting the subtle ways in which she could make Dev question his relationship with Ananya. She wasn't reckless enough to approach her goal with haste; no, this required precision, an artful unravelling of the bond between them.

Her plan was simple, yet sinister: she would sow seeds of doubt, slight enough to evade suspicion but potent enough to fester in Dev's mind. This was no easy task, and Aaradhya knew she had to tread carefully, choosing each word and action with caution. If she succeeded, she would make him question everything he thought he knew about his fiancée.

One afternoon, Aaradhya found herself alone in the garden with Riya, Dev's younger sister. She had noticed Riya's discontent with Ananya—a hint of resentment, perhaps, that the new bride-to-be had captivated all the attention of her family. With a gentle smile, Aaradhya struck up a conversation, choosing her words carefully.

"Riya, I've heard Ananya is very skilled in social graces. She seems to have a real gift for winning people over," she commented, her tone casual yet laced with intrigue.

Riya scoffed, her expression darkening. "Gifted, yes. She knows how to charm those who matter. But sometimes I wonder if she truly cares for our family. There's something... detached about her."

Aaradhya tilted her head, as if surprised. "Oh, really? I hadn't noticed. But you know her better than I do. She must be different when she's around people she trusts."

Riya shrugged, casting a glance towards the grand house where Ananya and Dev were likely engaged in polite conversation. "Perhaps. I've tried to bond with her, but she always keeps me at arm's length. I just hope Dev doesn't regret his choice."

Aaradhya suppressed a smile, knowing that her seed of doubt had taken root. She had subtly turned Riya's own observations into suspicions, gently nurturing the younger girl's doubts. With Riya's opinion of Ananya already tainted, she was one step closer to making Dev question his decision.

Over the next few days, Aaradhya continued to observe, waiting for opportune moments to plant further doubts. Her patience paid off one evening when she noticed Dev and Ananya having a quiet but tense conversation in the sitting room. Standing just outside the door, hidden in the shadows, she strained to hear their words.

"Dev, you can't keep prioritizing everyone else over me," Ananya was saying, her voice tinged with frustration. "I am your fiancée; I deserve more than half-hearted attention."

Dev's voice was quiet but firm. "Ananya, you know the responsibilities I bear. It's not just about us. My family, this estate—they all need me."

"Yes, but I need you too," Ananya replied, a hint of anger seeping into her tone. "Sometimes I feel as if I'm just another duty for you to fulfill."

Aaradhya leaned closer, her heart quickening as she sensed the tension between them. She knew this was a golden opportunity, one she couldn't let slip by.

Later that evening, as Dev strolled through the garden alone, Aaradhya approached him. She made sure her footsteps were soft, her presence gentle, as if she were merely a friend concerned for his well-being.

"Is everything alright, Dev?" she asked, her voice soft and sincere.

He turned to her, surprise flickering across his face. "Oh, Aaradhya. It's... complicated."

She offered a sympathetic smile, her gaze warm and understanding. "Sometimes sharing what's on your mind helps. I may not be of much use, but I can at least listen."