“What kind of dirty game are you playing?” I snap. “That too with a woman?”
I didn’t want to aggravate his anger, but this taunt was a must. He is using a woman in his dirty revenge games, after all.
The next instant, Aarav grabs my arms and hauls me to his body. Panic courses through me. Did I cross the line of his patience? I think so. I am here to save Jaya and leave. I can’t risk that. His grip on my arms is painful, forcing a yelp from my lips.
“I don’t need to answer all your questions because this ismygame, andyouare on the losing side. Now listen to me carefully, Jhanvi. I have no interest in keeping Jaya with me. This entire ploy was to bring you here and make you do exactly what I want.”
My body freezes as I read his next words even before he says them.
“And I wantyouto bemywife.”
All these days, I was under the impression he was testing my patience, but now I am aware of how serious Aarav was the whole time. He kidnapped my best friend and is blackmailing me to marry him.
“I won’t.”
The words just come out of my mouth, and I have no regrets.
“You can’t threaten me, Aarav. I have already messaged Mohit, and he will send someone for me if you don’t let us go.”
I didn’t do it, but I lied so that Aarav knows I am not alone and he cannot manipulate me. But once again, he shocks me with his lopsided wicked grin.
“Mohit? Do you think I am so blunt not to take care of him and his grandmother before Jaya?”
Blood drains from my face. I suddenly fist his shirt.
“What did you do with them? Aarav, I swear if you hurt them I will -”
Tears cloud my vision. I hope this is a bad dream and someone wakes me up. Please. God, Please. Aarav pulls back from me and gestures to someone. A man in black attire rushes with a 10-inch tablet. He passes it to Aarav and leaves the spot. I scan the place while Aarav works on this Tablet. This is a deserted temple away from the city. No one will ever come here to help me. Where can he keep Jaya? Is she even here? I see some movement in the temple, but I am sure they are his people. No familiar faces, just some unknown people working on the decorations. Why are they decorating this place? Marriage!! Aarav wants to make me his wife. Has he planned the wedding here? No..!! He can’t force me to marry. I am Mohit’s fiancée.
“Here.” He passes me the tablet to watch the video playing. It’s LIVE!! Mohit is at a conference in Dubai.
“Mohit,” I yell, but obviously, my voice can’t reach him. He is sitting on a chair, showing no much interest in the meeting. I want him to come back. I want him to know I am in trouble. But who is recording all this? Aarav’s man? His spy? Is Mohit’s life in danger too?
I stare at Aarav in disbelief when he snatches the Tablet from my hand and keeps it away.
“No one is coming to save you, Jhanvi. In fact, I am saving your life from this treacherous grandmother and grandson. One of my men is attending that conference with Mohit and he can do anything on my command. And not to mention, Advani is on my side so Durga Raichand is not safe either. She has gone to see him and he will keep her busy in his talks until you don’t become my wife. Am I clear?”
His words echo in my ears and I hate each word that leaves his mouth.
I raise my hand to slap him, but before I succeed, Aarav grabs my wrist and shoves my arm away. Anger emits from his cold stare.
“Don’t even think of making this mistake, Jaan.” He warns. “All the people you love are safe right now, but if you don’t respect my commands or try to hurt me or my motives, I can’t guarantee their safety. So, better keep your anger down and think wisely.”
The realization of what he could do to Jaya, Daadi and Mohit fuels my anger.
“Think of the consequences, Aarav. I dare you; I won’t let you walk free if you don’t stop this madness now.”
He takes a long deep sigh before grinning back.
“You are not in a position to scare anyone, Jaan, and the only person you should be scared about is me. I’ve written you in my destiny, and even God cannot change it. So?” He checks his watch. “You got exactly five minutes to decide their fates, and your time starts now.”
“You are a devil,” I mutter.
Tears gush out of my eyes as I say this.
“And in a few hours, you’ll be this Devil’s wife.”
CHAPTER 6