Aira:

The few rituals that needed to be done were already over with and the guests had graced us with their gifts but as the clock ticked closer, I could feel it near me.

Varya who sat beside me along with Adira in her lap looked up from her phone, "Arsh wants you to meet a few of his friends if you are fine with it Aira?"

"Sure," I softly let out as she gave me a comforting smile and I got up making my way down the stage as my eyes fell on Ahikrti bhaiya walking towards Varya.

I tried to steady my nerves as I moved through the sea of guests. My hands were cold, my pulse creating havoc in my chest.

I could feel Arsh's eyes on me, burning into the side of my neck, though he was surrounded by a group of guests, effortlessly playing the charming host. He was too good at wearing that mask, the mask that hid his reality away. But he wasn't the only one who could pretend.

I plastered on a smile, barely stopping to greet anyone, it's not like I knew any of them as I made my way through the crowd. It made me miss my own family even more.

The buzz of chatter and laughter filled the room, but underneath it all, a thick tension pressed against me, making it hard to breathe. I just needed a few more hours - just long enough for the crowd to thin, for the eyes on us to grow tired, and then, I would slip away.

As I reached the edge of the room, I felt his presence before I saw him. Arsh was beside me in an instant, his hand gently pressing against the small of my back, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Aira," he murmured softly, his lips brushing against my ear. "Can you atleast try to hide the fact that you don't want to be here?"

I gave him a sarcastic smile shaking my head in no, as he looked at me agitated but didn't say anything. I forced myself to remain calm as he guided me toward a group near the front of the hall, the group drawing all the attention.

My eyes fell on the group, instantly recognising the couple who tried to save me from him, more like just Irisha did. He had his hand wrapped around her as she kept her head on his chest, leaning against him and talked about about with the other two ladies besides her.

She looked so pretty and happy but there was something else, she glowed differently today. Wait is that? My god she is pregnant?

Awe!

Her husband was the first one to notice us, I guess feeling my eyes roam all over his wife.

"Finally decided to grace us with your presence, Arsh?" Veer Singh Raichand asked with a calm smile as his eyes went over to me and if he did recognize me, he wasn't surprised at all.

Irisha excitedly looked up and a gasp escaped her lips as soon as her eyes fell on me.

"Wait, you are..."

"Aira." I introduced myself noticing the other two couples, Abhimaan was also there.

She looked at me discreetly for a moment and then finally asked with a pout, "Have we met?"

"We definitely did."

She gasped as she looked over at Arsh and then me, repeating the process for a second. "Oh god and I was so guilty for leaving you behind that day, and you were married." Her sincerity caught me off guard. There was no pretense, no judgment - just care. I felt a momentary ease in her presence, but it quickly slipped away as I glanced at Arsh.

"Kind of."

The woman beside her stepped forwards, her eyes softly moving between the two of us as she asked Irisha, "You two know each other."

Irisha looked at her amd gave her a bright smile before nodding her head in a yes, "Kind of."

Thw woman's smile widened as she extended a hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you," she said introducing herself. "Ariana King."

I smiled politely, shaking her hand. "It's nice to meet you, too," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil swirling inside me.

Beside her, the man stepped forward, his eyes authoritive but welcoming. He had a quiet power about him, the kind that didn't need to be announced. "Lucien King, her husband." He said as I gave him a nod.

The other couple gave me a warm smile as the woman introduced herself and and her husband. "Scarlett Blackwood and Aiden Blackwood."

I tried my best to give her a genuine smile as I introduced myself, "Aira."

They looked so much in love and then there was me. Forced into a tragedy.

"Arsh barely opens his mouth but Abhimaan told us alot about your talents." Lucien's voice broke through my thoughts, his tone casual, yet probing.

I forced a smile, nodding politely. "He must have exaggerated," I replied, keeping my tone light.

His gaze swept over to Arsh appraisingly before his lips quirked into a half-smile. "I was beginning to think you husband has locked you away somewhere."

His wife, Airana, stepped forward, her hand resting on his arm. "Ignore him, Aira. He is just trying to get a reaction out of your husband," she said softly, her smile kind, though there was a knowing glance in her eyes.

"It's alright," I replied, returning her smile with one of my own, though it felt hollow.

Arsh's grip on my waist tightened just slightly, a silent reminder of his control over me, of the game we were playing in front of his friends. I couldn't let him see how badly I needed to get away, not yet.

Aiden stepped forward, his gaze sharp as ever, his presence as commanding as the others. "We are all dying to know how you are handling him," he added, a teasing glint in his eyes as he passed a smirk to Arsh.

Scarlet elbowed him playfully. "Ad, stop it. You are going to worry her."

I forced another laugh, but my heart wasn't in it. The weight of the evening was pressing down on me, making it harder to keep up the facade. I exchanged pleasantries, allowed myself to be the mysterious trophy wife for just a few more moments, but my mind was already elsewhere.

"I am only attempting to initiate a genuine conversation babygirl." Aiden quipped again, and Scarlet rolled her eyes.

Irisha glanced at him lazily before making an innocent suggestion, "Scar why don't you let him have the couch tonight?"

"Seriously Isha?" he shot back, feigning offense. "I am not that bad."

"Don't let these idiots intimidate you, Aira," her soft voice interjected my thoughts as she stepped away from Veer's embrace only for him to hold her back.

"I want to talk to her," she insisted, but Veer gently held her back.

"Sonpapdi stay." He whispered, his voice firm.

"But," She protested.

"He is her huaband baby." he said, smirking.

"Whatever," she huffed, but there was no real fight in her voice.

Lucien tsked, his lips curving upward in a smirk as he asked, "Irisha is right though, how did you end up marrying this asshole Aira?"

"Oh," I stared at them, my lips twitching into a smirk.

"Haven't you told your friends the best part. Need some help?"

His grip tightened slightly, a silent warning, but I ignored it, my smile growing bolder. "He basically barged into my altar, shot my groom, and forced me to marry him at gunpoint," I said, my voice light but laced with the truth.

Everyone went still for a moment, but not everyone looked surprised.

They knew.

"What?" Irisha's voice was a mix of shock and disbelief as she stared between the two of us.

Noticing the genuine care in her eyes, I laughed softly, waving it off. "I was just kidding," I lied smoothly, watching their reactions carefully.

Irisha let out a breath of relief. "Aira, you scared me!" she said, her hand clutching Veer's arm a little tighter.

I smiled, but inside I felt like I was unraveling. "I am sorry."

"No, I am sorry for that day," she spoke up, her voice tinged with guilt. "It just... it kind of seemed like you didn't want to be there, so I..."

"Sonpapdi," Veer interrupted softly, shaking his head. "It wasn't your fault. You don't need to be sorry."

She gave him a pout and then looked back at me as her eyes softened, searching mine for a moment. "Were you mad at him?" she asked, her voice quieter now.

I hesitated again, the weight of the truth pressing down on me. "She was," Arsh spoke up for the first time, his voice low and steady. "I was there to apologize."

"You were?" Irisha's eyes widened, surprised.

How can someone lie so smoothly?

Arsh gave her a nod and glanced at me before looking back at her. "Hm, I told you we knew each other."

"You don't look like someone who apologizes," she said shrugging her shoulders, her brow furrowed. "How was I supposed to know?"

Arsh's mouth opened but he couldn't get a word out as he shook his head and asked Veer, "Is she always like this?"

Irisha glared at him as she mumbled. "What do you mean by that?"

"Sweetheart," Veer coaxed, throwing a glare to Arsh who just shrugged it off. "He is just impressed, that's all."

Irisha huffed, scrunching up her nose as she cutely muttered. "Mr. Raichand, I don't like your friend at all."

Veer shook his head, his hand caressing her hairs, "Sonpapdi yaar isme meri kya glti, he is not even my friend."

"Excuse me?" Arsh shot back, feigning offense.

"Excused," Irisha quipped, rolling her eyes.

They continue a chattering lightly, looking so happy and I wondered how it would have been if this was another life where maybe I could have had a genuine relationship with this family and his friends.

"You okay?" Scar asked, her voice soft with concern, but I could only nod, forcing another smile.

But this wasn't another life. It was this one. And I had to get out.

Just as I was about to excuse myself, Arsh's arm tightened around my waist, pulling me closer. "They are waiting for our dance," he whispered, his voice leaving no room for argument.

I glanced up at him, my heart racing, but I forced a smile notincg his friends eyes fixed on us. "Of course."

He gave them a gentle nod and led me to the center of the hall, and the soft music began to play. I placed my hand in his, feeling goosebumps rise on my skin as he pulled me close. We swayed gently to the music, but my mind was elsewhere - focused on my plan, that seemed so close now.

"You are distracted," Arsh murmured, his lips brushing against my ear.

I stiffened slightly, meeting his gaze. How can he read me so easily? "I am not particularly pleased about playing your wife." I stated.

His eyes darkened, his grip on me tightening. "You are thinking of something else," he said softly, his voice laced with warning. "Drop it or it won't end up well for you."

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay calm. "I am not thinking anything," I hissed making sure to meet his eyes and holding his gaze otherwise he will have me figured out right this instant.

He stared at me for a long moment, as if trying to read my mind. Then, with a slight smirk, he leaned down, pressing his lips to my temple. "Don't try anything," he murmured, his voice dangerously low. "Or I will be forced to show you my worst side."

The song ended, and as Arsh released me, I felt the weight of his gaze still on me. I excused myself politely, and stepped away from him and thankfully he went baco tonhis friends. My heart pounded in my chest, but I kept my expression calm, my movements measured.

This was it. My moment.

As the guests started to leave, I fianlly caught sight of Tara standing off at the corner, her eyes fixed at Rishaan while he talked to some girl - some girl who is her girlfriend according to what Varya and the others told me. She seened distracted, her usual energy somewhat dimmed, but I knew this was my opportunity.

And turns out I was right, something is going on between them. It wasn't difficult to figure out how I could use that to my advantage.

I approached her with a soft smile, holding two glasses of champagne. "Tara,What's wrong?" I said, offering her one of the drinks.

She smiled, taking the glass from my hand. "Tired."

"Me too," I agreed, watching as she took a sip. The drink would do its job soon enough. "Should we go out in the fresh air?"

She hummed and we both stepped out of the doors and into the garden, my eyes closely assessing the cars driving out of the driveway.

"You must be exhausted." I softly muttered as we walked to the chairs.

Tara nodded, her eyes already beginning to glaze over as the sedative I had slipped into her drink started to take effect. She wobbled slightly, and I steadied her with a hand on her arm.

"You okay?" I asked, keeping my voice calm as I quickly grabbed her phone.

"I just... I think I need to sit down," she mumbled, swaying on her feet.

"Let me get someone. We should go inside."

I quickly unlocked her phone with her fingers, and opened Whatsapp sending a text to Rishaan, knowing he would come running. 'Tara fainted. Probably just exhausted. Can you take her in to rest?'

It wasn't long before I saw Rishaan's panicked expression rushing out of the door. He was at Tara's side in an instant, scooping her into his arms. "She fainted?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

I nodded. "She said she was feeling tired. Maybe it's just the stress of the evening."

Rishaan didn't waste a second, carrying her off inside. With everyone's attention in there on them, it was now or never.

The moment they were out of sight, I moved quickly, slipping in the driway away from the prying eyes of the gaurds. Goosebump rose on my skin, and I breathed in deeply, my heart racing. I scanned the driveway, seeing a few cars lined up, their drivers milling about.

I spotted one of the guest's cars idling, the driver distracted by a conversation near the entrance. Without a second thought, I hurried over and ducked into the back, closing the door as quietly as possible.

My chest heaved as I pressed myself against the floor, waiting for the car to start moving. I had done it. I had slipped away.

The minutes ticked by, and finally, the car began to roll forward. Relief washed over me realising it's been 10 minutes and although we weren't out of the Oberoir estate, atleast I escaped the mansion.

I escaped.

But my relief was short-lived.

Suddenly, the car halted to a stop. I let out a gasp, instinctively covering my face, fear flooding my veins. My heart raced as I cowered back into the trunk.

He couldn't have figured it out so fast. I know it's not him but I couldn't stop the fear from taking me in.

But he will, soon enough and that's why the car needed to stars soon and take me out of his estate so that I could atleast think of what to do in this unknown country where I barely step out of that fucking mansion.

My heart hammered in my chest as I impatiently waited for the car to start moving. We seem to have barely crossed the Oberoi's lands yet.

I heard a voice saying something but nothing could be heard. I carefully opened the door of the trunk, just slightly so thay the sound could come in as I leaned forward to see outside theough the slight gap, but before I could make sense of it, the door swung open violently.

My heart jolted, fear coursing my veins as I snapped my head up, only to be met with the intense, piercing eyes of the man I was running away from.

"Arsh..." I whispered, my voice faltering in shock. I could feel the anger coming off him in waves, his nostrils flared, his eyes burning me down to ashes.

"Come out. Right now." His words were cold, demanding, and his eyes were enough to let me know thay going against him right now would be the worst choice.

I gulped, feeling his fury. Glancing outside, I noticed his men surrounding the car already.

My heart sank. I didn't want to go back in that hollow cage, not again. Morever, I can't face the family.

Tara, oh my God.

I basically backstabbed her. And Rishaan. I used them for my own narratives.

"Get the fuck out before I decide to drag you myself." He hissed, his eyes blazing fires as I visibly flinched but still couldn't move.

He gritted his teeth realising I wasn't going to make a move as he leaned forward and held my hand, taking my legs in his other hands he easily shifted them out of the car and slightly pulled me out, he then shielded my head with his other hand and helped me out of the car.

He almost pulled me up as I jerked his hand, my gaze locked on the ground, unable to meet his terrifying stare.

"Let's go," He slammed the trunk door shut with a loud bang and strode towards his car.

I hurried after him, not wanting to make things worse, my eyes went over to his men, guns in their hand - maybe he will use one of these while putting a bullet in my head?

I went for the back door but before I could even reach for it, "Do I look like your fucking driver," he snarled, his voice dripping with rage.

I stepped away from the door and moved to the passenger seat quietly opening the door and getting in as he did the same.

"I warned you, Didn't I?" He gritted out, his eyes fixed on me but I didn't answer.

Ignoring him will be the best, his anger will calm down and then I can talk to him. Not now.

Don't say a word Aira, Don't agitate him further.

If only I knew that it was my silence cresting havoc in him.

He suddenly slammed his hand against the steering wheel, the sound jolting me. I turned, just for a second, to see his face twisted in rage. Without another word, he pressed on the gas and started the car.

Within minutes, we reached the mansion but he didn't turn the car towards the giants doors, instead driving straight ahead as I looked back at the mansion. His men went back around and inside the mansion, taking their positions - no one followed us.

My blood felt to be freezing as my eyes snapped towards him. Where was he taking me?

I couldn't speak a word but I knew back at the mansion, there are people who could save me from his wraith but I have no idea what's going on in his mind right now.

"Where are you taking me?" My voice cracked, though I tried to sound firm. I couldn’t hide the tremor.

He didn't answer. His knuckles were white on the steering wheel. The car jerked forward faster, the tires kicking up dust behind us. I shifted uncomfortably, my heart slamming against my ribcage.

"Arsh, stop the car! This isn't..."

"Shut. Up." His voice was ice, cold enough to freeze me in place. My throat closed up, fear constricting every word I wanted to say.

The road stretched on like a never-ending nightmare, each passing moment thickening the tension between us. The silence was suffocating, but the fear in my chest was louder than any words I could have spoken. I tried to steady my breathing, tried to make sense of everything. But how could I? I had slipped away, I had almost made it… and yet, here I was, back under his control.

The mansion was far behind us now, swallowed by the darkness, and we were heading deeper into unfamiliar territory. I had no idea where he was taking me, but the cold dread settling in my stomach told me that whatever was waiting ahead wasn’t good.

"Where are we going?" I asked again, my voice cracking as I tried to steady it.

"Just shut up, Aira," he growled, his voice low and filled with warning. My fingers curled into my lap as I looked away, forcing myself to keep quiet.

The car hummed against the gravel as Arsh kept his eyes trained on the road, the muscle in his jaw twitching every so often.

I stared out of the window, watching as we left the estate behind and entered a secluded area - far from any sign of life. There was nothing around except trees and shadows, and the farther we drove, the more my anxiety twisted into panic.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Arsh pulled off the road, the tires crunching on gravel. The car came to a stop in front of a large, old farmhouse. It stood isolated in the middle of nowhere, its silhouette dark and imposing against the night sky.

My pulse quickened. I didn't want to get out of the car.

But I had no choice.

He parked with a sharp turn, the tires skidding to a halt. Arsh slammed the door as he got out, striding to my side. Before I could react, he yanked the passenger door open, his hand gripping my wrist like a vice.

"Get out." His tone was a command. I hesitated for a moment, feeling the chill of his anger, but I knew better than to defy him right now

He let me shoot once and maybe he will shoot me this time.

My legs felt weak as I stepped out, stumbling slightly as he dragged me toward the farmhouse. The darkness inside swallowed us whole when he threw the door open. The air inside was thick, oppressive.

"Arsh, stop please, what are you doing?" I tugged against his grip, my voice trembling, desperate for any hint of reason.

He ignored me. He stormed through the house, practically dragging me behind him until we reached a room at the far end. The door creaked ominously as he shoved it open and, with one swift motion, pushed me inside.

"Wait, please..." I pleaded, trying to grab hold of something - anything, but there was nothing.

Before I could protest, he shoved me into a small, dark room. The door slammed shut behind me, the sound echoing in the suffocating silence.

I stumbled, hitting the cold floor, the darkness swallowing me whole. Panic surged through me as I scrambled to my feet, rushing to the door and banging on it with both hands.

"Arsh!" I screamed, panic rising as I realized what he had done. My voice bounced off the walls, mocking me. There was no reply, just the hollow sound of my own fear.

"Arsh! Please! Don't leave me in here!" I screamed, my voice breaking as the weight of the situation crashed down on me. "Arsh!"

But there was no answer.

I pressed my ear to the door, trying to hear any movement, any sign that he was still there. But all I heard was silence.

Darkness. Complete, suffocating darkness.

My legs gave out, and I slid down to the floor, hugging my knees to my chest. I tried to steady my breathing, but every exhale felt like it was drawing more air out of my lungs than I could pull in. Tears blurred my vision even though I couldn't see a thing.

I wrapped my arms around myself, rocking slightly as tears spilled down my cheeks.

He was punishing me.

And I had no idea how long he was going to keep me locked away like this.

The worst part was, deep down, I knew this was only the beginning.

I thought Dark didn't scare me, I thought I was familiar to this. I thought I knew what the dark holds, only that was all a myth because darkness is so vast, it doesn't seems to end.

I used to hate dark but it didn't scare me because I knew I will have to be in it no matter what but then came my family and after them I never knew what it felt like in the dark.

They made me forget all that, and filled my life with all the colours - more than I needed and in between all of that I forgot bow dark felt.

But now? It seems like I am being pushed back into that darkness, like the monsters beneath my bed had finally gotten a hold on my ankle and they refuse to let go.

How did I let it get this far?

Darkness once again scares me because it has managed to find and swallow me again.

I wasn't escaping Arsh.

Not now. Not ever.

Minutes passed. Maybe hours. I had no idea how long I sat there, alone in the dark, trying to swallow the terror that was clawing at me.

Then I heard footsteps outside. Slow, deliberate. The creak of the door handle turning sent shivers down my spine.

The door opened, letting a sliver of light cut through the room. Arsh stepped in, his silhouette menacing as he leaned against the doorframe.

"You really thought you could run, didn't you?" His voice was low, calm in a way that scared me even more than his yelling. He stepped closer, the light flickering over his hardened features. "What was your plan, Aira? Hmm? To use my sister to get away from me?"

His words were like venom. I scrambled to stand, but my legs wobbled. "I didn't want to involve her, I..." My voice faltered under his withering gaze.

He stepped forward, and I instinctively backed up until my back hit the cold wall.

"But you did." His voice grew quieter, but it was no less dangerous. "My baby sister trusted you, they all did, treated you like their own and you?" He was close now, his breath warm against my face.

I couldn’t look at him. "I just..."

"You were just what? Using her like pawn in your little escape game?" His fingers gripped my chin, forcing me to meet his burning eyes. "I warned you, Aira. You don't get to walk away from me."

Tears prickled at the corners of my eyes. I shook my head slightly, my voice barely a whisper. "I wasn't... I wasn't using her."

"You did." he growled, cutting me off, his grip tightening for a second before he released me, pacing like a predator. "Did you really think I will just let you go?"

I swallowed hard, trying to stop the tears from falling, trying to control the panic rising in my chest. "Please… I can't."

"I am sorry," My voice trembled despite my best efforts to stay strong.

His laugh was cold, cruel. "Too late for that." He turned to face me, his eyes locking with mine, and for a second, I saw something darker than anger flicker in them - something more dangerous.

Bhai ye Jo tum log chapter pdh lete pr comments krna bhul jate ho naa,

You all must be knowing ki Stck.me me already chapter 16 tk updated hai to wo chapters Mai idhr Daal skti hoon but wo chapter Mai idhr tb hi dalungi when you guys drop you comments.

Atleast let me know ki chapter lga kaisa bhai, Mai bas likhe hi ja rhi hoon Kam se Kam batao to mjhe ki likh kaisa rhi hoon?