The sun had barely begun its descent when Inaara stepped out of the foundation site, wiping a sheen of sweat off her brow.
Her hair fluttered gently in the warm breeze as she walked confidently toward the parking area, nodding at the guards trailing behind her like shadows.
Today, she had insisted on driving herself-something she rarely did, especially not Atharv's car.
But today felt different.
Empowering, even.
Until it didn't.
The return drive was smooth until a sudden swerve from a stray cyclist startled her.
The tires screeched.
A loud crunch echoed through the quiet street.
Metal kissed metal.
The car jolted forward, then stopped.
Silence.
Inaara gripped the steering wheel, her heart hammering in her chest.
Her breath came in short, sharp bursts.
Her eyes moved slowly-hesitantly-to the front of the car, now badly dented.
Her lips parted, but no sound escaped. Her mind was blank... until-
"Ma'am!" one of the guards called out, rushing forward with panic painted across his face.
"Are you alright?"
"I-I'm fine," she whispered, unbuckling the seatbelt with trembling fingers.
The guards exchanged terrified glances.
One of them muttered,
"This... this is that car..."
"The favourite one?" another whispered back, eyes wide.
"He once fired a man just for shutting the door too hard..."
Inaara's blood ran cold.
Her eyes widened, her stomach twisting into knots.
That car?
Of all the cars, she had to damage that one?
Without waiting, she drove the battered vehicle home, each turn of the steering wheel weighing heavier than the last.
Her thoughts raced faster than the wheels.
"Will he divorce me for this?
But... he said he loves me. Right? Still... it's his favourite..."
She parked and walked into the house like a guilty child-shoulders hunched, steps quick, her breath uneven.
She didn't even glance at the maids or guards.
Straight to the room.
Straight to anxiety.
Just as she reached the foot of the stairs, the main door burst open.
YOU ARE READING
Beneath The Storm (Completed)
RomanceIn the opulent world where wealth and power reign supreme, Atharv Rajvansh stands as an untouchable force, his cold perfection masking a storm of hidden vulnerabilities. Enter Inaara Sharma, a kind-hearted soul whose old-fashioned charm and quiet s...
