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Vayran
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Aaravika choked on her food when she heard me. I immediately handed her a glass of water, leaning slightly forward. “I told you, Aaravika. You’d choke before even laughing.” My smirk played on my lips as I prevented myself from fully smiling. It wasn’t a part of me to feel affected.

I reminded myself why I was here: to make her pay for marrying this predator.

Before Aaravika could fire back with one of her taunts, Tanvik entered with her mother, holding a bottle of medicines. I stood up and gestured toward Aaravika’s mom. “Give the meds to her mother and come with me.”

Tanvik nodded, handing over the medicines before following me outside. I led him to a secluded area, my eyes scanning the surroundings. My smirk widened as I spotted the prey my bodyguard had informed me about earlier.

Turning to Tanvik, I said, “The shipment’s going out tonight at sharp 3 AM. I don’t want the CBI—or any agency, for that matter—sniffing around.”

Tanvik understood, his expression hardening as he nodded. With that, he walked away to take care of things. My prey was already walking into the trap. Satisfied, I walked back.

ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

The car cruised through the quiet streets toward Chandravansh Haveli, where my so-called family lived. Aaravika sat beside me, staring out the window. I couldn’t read her, but I wasn’t interested in trying. The silence wasn’t the peaceful kind; it felt like the calm before something much worse.

Aaravika’s voice broke the silence. “When are we going to Bangalore?”

“Tomorrow night,” I replied, my eyes never leaving the road.

She hummed softly, returning her gaze to the window. It felt like the quiet before a storm. I wondered how I’d survive these 10 months with this bacha, who clearly had no clue what she’d gotten herself into. She’d defied me—the Devil himself—and now, she would face the consequences.

Suddenly, my instincts flared. Something was wrong. Glancing at the rearview mirror, I saw several cars tailing us, their numbers steadily increasing. My grip tightened on the steering wheel. I checked Aaravika again, and to my annoyance, she wasn’t wearing her seatbelt.

I sighed, exasperated. “Wear your seatbelt.”

She turned to me, frowning. “Why? I’m just enjoying the view.”

I didn’t have time for her nonsense. “Just put it on.”

She mumbled something under her breath but obeyed.

“Hold on tight,” I said, my voice cold.

“Hold on tight? For what? What’s going on—” Her question was cut off as I slammed my foot down on the accelerator. The car shot forward, the tires screeching.

Her scream filled the car. “Oye motor wale dhooth ke shaithaan! Tumhe hospital bhejna hai kya mujhe? (You devil with wheels! Are you planning to send me to the hospital?)”

I didn’t respond. Instead, I glanced in the rearview mirror again. The cars behind us were closing in fast, matching our speed. Aaravika continued to scream, clutching the seat tightly, her eyes wide with terror.

“Arrey gaadi chala rahe ho ya cyclone bana rahe ho? Ghaadi dekh lo! Is janam ka yeh akhri ghanta hone wala hai! (Are you driving a car or creating a cyclone? Check the time! It’s about to be my final hour in this life!)”

I didn’t bother replying to her outburst. “Chup ho jao! (Be quiet),” I snapped, my tone icy as I concentrated on the road.

“Quiet? Tumhare wajah se toh Yamaraj apni bike ko gaadi banake mujhe lene aane waala hai! Khud ka steering sambhal lo, mujhe toh apna pran dena hai! (Quiet? Because of you, Yama is about to trade his bike for a car to come and take me! Focus on your steering; I’m ready to give my last breath!)”

Gunshots rang out from the cars behind us. Aaravika screamed again, louder this time. “O maa! Bhagwan mujhe is shaitan se bacha lo! Tumne mujhe inke saath shaadi kyun karwayi? Kya maine peeche janam mein tumhara ghar jala diya tha? (Oh Mother! God, save me from this demon! Why did you make me marry him? Did I burn your house in my last life?)”

My smirk stretched wider, but I didn’t show it. I was enjoying this chase, but I wasn’t going to let it distract me from the mission.

Aaravika’s terrified voice continued, her curses laced with panic, but I remained focused on losing the cars behind us. I took a sharp turn, weaving the car through narrow streets, and lost them in a dark alley.

Once the road was clear, I called Dharam. “Find out who they were. I want them taken care of.”

When I was sure we were safe, I slowed the car. Aaravika was still clutching her seat, her face pale.

She turned to me, her voice shaking. “*Main tumhare saath nahi rah sakti! Tum shaitan bhi nahi ho, tum sakshaad maut ke thekedaar ho! (I can’t stay with you! You’re not just a devil, you’re the direct manager of death!)”

“Good to know I’ve made an impression,” I said, my voice colder than ever. Though I knew I was not the manager of death I myself was the walking death.

She frowned, her expression a mix of disbelief and frustration. “Impression? Mujhe lagta hai Yama ke assistant se shaadi karne se accha hota jungle mein magar ke saath shaadi kar leti! (Impression? I think instead of  marrying Yama’s assistant would’ve been better if I could have married a crocodile in the jungle!)”

She continued to rant, but something in my chest tightened. I didn’t show it, but her words affected me more than I cared to admit.

I didn’t laugh, but internally, I smiled. She was all talk, but I knew better.

Her rant faded into silence. She probably thought I didn’t care, but I was already planning the next steps. I wouldn’t let her forget who was in control.

Finally, I broke the silence, my tone low and menacing. “The next time you defy me, Aaravika, you won’t be cursing me. You’ll be begging me.”

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