Shiddat

Chapter 35

Adiraj stood by the large windows of his penthouse, the sprawling city below bathed in the soft, amber glow of the early morning sun. The quiet hum of the awakening city provided little comfort to the storm raging inside him. Sleep had become a distant memory, lost somewhere in the avalanche of thoughts that had plagued him ever since he found out about Ananya's marriage to Arjun Rathore.

The revelation had torn open old wounds. It gnawed at him relentlessly, the image of Ananya tied to the very man he despised. How could fate be so cruel? Ananya, the woman who had once meant so much to him, now shared her life with his sworn enemy. His hand tightened around the phone in his grasp, knuckles turning white as his thoughts spiraled.

Inhaling deeply, he made a decision. There was only one way to settle the unrest within him. He needed answers. Without hesitation, Adiraj dialed a number. After a few rings, a voice on the other end answered—a calm, composed voice that Adiraj had come to rely on for situations like these.

"Yes Sir?" Kartik's voice cut through the silence.

Kartik was not just any ally. He was a skilled investigator, one of the most trusted members of Adiraj's underground network. Over the years, Kartik had proven his worth, gathering information on even the most elusive targets, handling delicate matters like corporate espionage and personal affairs with the utmost discretion. His sharp mind had saved Adiraj more times than he could count, and their bond had grown out of mutual respect and loyalty.

"Kartik," Adiraj began, his voice cold and measured, betraying none of the turmoil inside him. "I need you to investigate someone."

There was a brief pause on the other end, but Kartik knew better than to ask questions. If Adiraj needed something, it was important. "Who do you need me to look into?" he asked, his tone sharp and professional.

"Ananya Sharma," Adiraj said, his voice thick with emotion despite his attempts to remain detached. Even saying her name aloud stirred something deep inside him. "I want to know everything—how she ended up marrying Arjun Rathore, and more importantly, what she knows about him."

Kartik paused briefly, digesting the name. He had heard whispers about Ananya, but not in connection with Arjun. This was new information. "Consider it done," Kartik replied, his voice steady. "I'll get back to you soon."

Adiraj hung up the phone, his jaw clenched as he stared out of the window. The sunlight now flooded the room, but the darkness inside him remained. He needed answers. Ananya wasn't just a woman from his past anymore—she was part of Arjun's world now, and that made her a player in the war between the Rathores and Rajputs.

If she knew who Arjun really was and the full extent of his underworld ties, there could be opportunities for Adiraj to exploit. But if she didn't...well, he would have to decide what to do with that knowledge.

Adiraj turned away from the window, his thoughts lingering on Ananya—memories of their time together, of the unspoken connection they once shared, filled his mind. He could still recall the way she had looked at him back in college, how her presence had stirred something deep inside him. But those days were gone. She was no longer his Ananya. She belonged to his enemy now.

Across town, the soft rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains of Arjun's bedroom, casting a warm glow over the room. Ananya stirred, her body nestled comfortably in Arjun's arms. For a moment, she allowed herself to enjoy the warmth and the peace that came with the morning, before reality crashed back in.

Her eyes fluttered open, and her heart skipped a beat as she realized where she was—wrapped in the arms of the man who had so carelessly dismissed her the night before. She could still hear his cold words echoing in her mind: "What happened at the party...was a mistake...just a show for others."

For a moment, her fingers traced his jawline, feeling the rough stubble beneath her fingertips. In his sleep, Arjun seemed so different, so peaceful. It was a stark contrast to the guarded, cold man she had come to know. For just a fleeting second, Ananya allowed herself to wonder what it would be like if things were different between them—if their relationship wasn't just a facade for the world.

But the memory of his words hit her again, shattering the fragile peace of the morning. She gently pulled away from him, careful not to wake him. Glancing at the clock, she realized it was still early, and she tiptoed towards the bathroom, hoping for a few moments of solitude to collect her thoughts.

Standing in front of the mirror, Ananya stared at her reflection. She looked calm, composed even, but the emotions swirling inside her were anything but. Her eyes drifted to the nuptial chain around her neck. The small, elegant piece of jewelry was a symbol of her marriage, but it felt heavy—weighted with unspoken feelings and a relationship that seemed more like an obligation than a bond of love.

Just as she was about to leave the bedroom when Arjun entered, looking slightly disheveled after his morning workout. His face was flushed, and a few beads of sweat clung to his forehead. For a moment, Ananya's breath hitched, her heart racing as their eyes met.

"Ananya," Arjun's voice was soft, almost hesitant. It was a far cry from the confident, controlled tone he usually used.

She froze, unsure of how to respond.

"About last night..." he began, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he was struggling to find the right words. "I didn't mean...for things to get so out of hand...I...I.."

Ananya remained silent, unsure of what to say. The tension between them was palpable, the unspoken feelings hanging in the air like a heavy cloud.

"It's okay," she finally replied, her voice quiet and measured, though her heart was still aching from his words the previous night.

Arjun nodded, though it was clear that he had more on his mind. He opened his mouth as if to say something else, but then thought better of it, closing it again. Instead, he gave her a small nod, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer before he turned away.

The day proceeded as usual in the Rathore mansion. At breakfast, the family gathered around the table, chatting about mundane matters, but there was an undercurrent of expectation in the air. Arjun's grandfather, Rajvee, ever the traditionalist, cleared his throat and addressed Arjun.

"Arjun," his voice was firm, but there was a warmth in it. "You still haven't gifted Ananya anything for her first rosai and muh dikha."

Arjun, caught slightly off guard, straightened in his chair but quickly recovered. "I've already taken care of it, Dadu," he replied smoothly. "The gift is in the office. I'll give it to her today."

His grandfather nodded approvingly, and the conversation shifted to other topics. Ananya, sitting quietly beside Arjun, cast a quick glance in his direction. She couldn't help but wonder what the gift would be—whether it was chosen with any thought or if it was just another formality in their marriage.

Soon after, the family began dispersing for their respective duties. Arjun and Rohan left for Rathore Enterprises, while Maya and Ananya prepared to leave for the Rajput office. The day ahead was busy, but for Ananya, the weight of the unresolved tension with Arjun remained heavy in her chest.

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