Embers of Desire: A Dark Triad's Affair

Chapter 19:

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Neha’s POV:

These two men, Vikram and Dev, give me the most confusing feelings. I just don’t know what exactly I feel. Sometimes, I'm so scared of them, and other times, it feels like maybe, just maybe, they’re telling me the truth.

What is happening to me? To my feelings? Today is an important day – it's Puja day. We have rituals like Adan Pradan, Aashirwad- Patri Patra, and Vridhi Puja. But… Vridhi Puja requires an uncle’s blessing. My uncle? How will he even come for this ritual?

I was near Bappa’s table, trimming flowers to make things easier for everyone during the puja. When I looked up at the idol of Bappa, his eyes seemed so peaceful, so serene, as if they held the beauty of the entire world. Those eyes, they know everything happening in my life – everything. From the phone call that left both me and Mom in shock to my kidnapping by Vikram and Dev. They say they love me, and honestly, sometimes their actions seem to say the same. But doubt still lingers. How could they love me? Two men—loving the same person?

Their sudden appearance in my life and this claim that they both love me... What will people think? That I’ve married two men? Or do people know that they somehow persuaded me into this?

And my mother – they’ve told me she’s somewhere safe. But why does she even need to be 'safe'? What is happening around us that they have to keep us hidden away?

I miss my normal life so much. But now, I’m entangled in theirs, wrapped up in their world of danger. And their enemy… an enemy so ruthless, even mentioning his name feels disgusting. If Vikram and Dev weren’t there, what might have happened to me? Or maybe, none of this would’ve happened in the first place.

But Bappa knows all of it. He’s always been with me, watching everything. Then why isn’t he helping me? What is he waiting for? What's his plan?

“Neha…” Emma’s voice broke through my thoughts. I looked around and realized I’d been crying. Quickly, I wiped my tears.

“Yes, Emma? What happened?” I asked, trying to sound normal.

She gave me a gentle smile, “The modak is steaming. Can you check if it’s ready? I haven’t made it before, so…”

“Oh, of course, Emma!” I replied, setting the flower petals aside as I got up and went to the kitchen. I checked on the modak and gave her an encouraging smile, “It’s perfect now!”

Emma sighed in relief, “I’ll place it on Bappa’s plate for the puja, you may later give it to him at the time of prasad chadav.” I nodded, appreciating her effort, and left the kitchen.

Returning to the spot where I’d carefully sorted flower petals, I paused. All the petals I’d worked on… were gone. Fresh flowers lay there instead, which I would have to sort again. Confused, I looked around.

Security in the mansion was tighter than ever. Guards were stationed everywhere, keeping a vigilant watch. I spotted a few nearby and asked, “Did any of you see where the flower petals went that I kept here?”

They bowed and One of them, Malik, yaa that's what returned on his batch, answered, “No, ma’am. We didn’t see anyone.”

I squinted at their broad shoulders and intimidating stance. They were supposed to obey me, but with their strong, gym-sculpted bodies, I was still a bit scary of them. Yes I was told that I am the queen here and they will obey my words but What if they tossed me up with those muscles? They will break my bones then.