by M. V. Kasi
Despite the circumstances, Naina was touched by the gesture.
“Thank you so much.”
“You are welcome. And please, if you want something, let Sitaram or me know.” Smiling cheerfully, the woman left.
Naina wasn’t hungry. Even though there was a long gap since she last ate a meal, the circumstances killed her hunger. But since she had a sweet tooth, she opened the lid to check the special dessert Geetabhai had mentioned.
There was a bowl of thick, creamy traditional sweet made of mild vegetables and with lots of ghee and nuts. She picked up the spoon to take a bite.
The sweet, intense flavors burst on her tongue prompting her to have more. By the time she stopped, she realized there was barely any dessert left in the dish. With a small sigh, she put the lid back on the dish. Geetabhai was an excellent cook. Maybe her stay in this prison wouldn’t be so bad when it comes to food.
She wondered where the staff lived. She hoped they lived inside the penthouse. If she threatened to scream or make a loud racket, Shiv Jaipal might leave her alone due to the embarrassment it would cause in front of his staff.
But what if such threats didn’t stop him?
She realized she barely knew much about him. Her face burned in humiliation and anger at how easily she had been taken in by him and had completely misjudged his character. Her palms turned into fists as anger and hatred began to bubble inside her once again.
Not even in her wildest dreams had she never thought that the handsome romantic stranger would force her into a marriage and hold her captive one day.
She had always been a prisoner for most of her life. Her father had strong control over her since he had always wanted to use her for his political advantage.
And when she thought she had finally met a man who was different, even he turned out to be a liar and a powerful criminal with absolutely no honor.
She went towards the glass wall of the bedroom and looked out of her beautiful prison.
Just three more months until I graduate. And then I will leave this life behind me.
Once she made her escape, she was determined to lead a life without any men—let alone controlling men. She and her mother would be happy with the simple life she would build.
She sighed again, dreaming for that day to come soon.
There was another knock on the door. She heard Sitaram’s voice from outside asking for permission to come in.
“Come in,” she said.
The old man entered and began to clear the dishes and placed them back on the cart. “Shiv asked me to apologize to you. He said something urgent came up at his work, and he had to leave. He said he’ll be back later.”
She felt relieved even though she knew it would only be temporary relief.
CHAPTER 2 3
“Congratulations,” said the familiar voice. “Heard you got hitched a few hours ago. So how is it going?”
Shiv was at the club office with Vijay. They still met up on Fridays whenever they both were in the city and not travelling. Although it had been a year since Anirudh had joined them, Shiv still felt the absence.
“She fucking hates me,” Shiv replied.
There was a chuckle on the phone. “Welcome to my club, my friend.”
Shiv scoffed. “Oh, believe me, it’s not the same at all. Your wife might have hated you at first, but she also feared you. But mine not only hates me, she even tried to stab me in the heart on our damn wedding day.”
“Well… My advice is to clear out all the sharp objects before getting into bed.”
Shiv shook his head with a wry grin. “You know for a dead man, you sure do crack a lot of jokes.”
There was laughter. “Maybe it’s the island life or the fact that I’m getting married again soon.”
Shiv was happy for his friend. “All right. I’ll see you soon in a few months. Give my regards to Aditi. Ask her to save a dance for me at the wedding.”
“Yeah, I will.”
The call ended.
“He sounds happy,” Vijay remarked.
“Yeah. I feel we should stop getting him involved in our deals even though he insists on helping.”
Vijay nodded. “I agree, and it is risky considering both of us are being monitored very closely right now. Any small slip might risk our entire decade-long effort.”
Shiv knew Vijay was right. A year ago, when the majority of the drug kingpins were eliminated or arrested, it took a lot of effort for Shiv and Vijay to convince the arms dealers and human traffickers that they wouldn’t be impacted. Most of them grudgingly trusted them both, but there were still quite a few who were waiting to catch them in the act.
“Don’t get in too deep, Shiv.”
Not understanding, Shiv looked at Vijay. “What do you mean?”
“I know I was the one who suggested you should marry Bhasin’s daughter last year. There wasn’t much to lose then. But now…” Vijay trailed off.
Shiv didn’t need Vijay to complete the sentence to know what he meant. “I know I changed our game midway, but my marriage isn’t going to change our long-term plan.”
Vijay smiled. “That’s what Anirudh said too at the beginning. And you were the one to warn him.”
Shiv remembered.
“I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, Shiv. But if anything were to happen, you will have to—”
“Nothing will happen. I won’t allow it.”
Vijay fell silent.
Shiv knew Vijay’s doubts were legitimate. The game had changed from what they had begun ten years ago. Shiv was supposed to end the game much earlier on, but because of his personal mission, he had to continue the game.
Vijay got up from the leather couch. “All right. It’s getting late. I’ll get going. I’m flying to Dubai tomorrow morning to intercept the shipment.”
Shiv nodded. “I’ll see you in two weeks. I’m off to Russia again tomorrow.”
Vijay paused. “Be careful in Russia. Don’t let him bait you.”
Shiv didn’t say anything. He knew his friend was right, but unfortunately, too much was already done.
After Vijay left, Shiv remained at the club going through the details of some of the bank transfer operations. A dull throbbing headache was forming at the back of his head due to his lack of sleep.
He had been drinking at his penthouse bar until Sitaram came in at around eight in the morning. He had then gotten up and gone to the bedroom to grab clothes and freshen up.
Naina had been fast asleep on his bed, still wearing her wedding dress. He was drunk enough to want to wake her and demand that she accept their marriage and listen to what he says. He even wanted to force and threaten her to trust only him and no one else. He wanted to put the fear of God in her so that she would be terrified of him and do as he says without questioning him.
But he had stopped himself. Even his drunk mind knew what the consequences of such threats would have on Naina. So he left her alone.
***
“Would you like anything else, Naina?”
Naina shook her head. “No. I’m fine.”
Geetabhai smiled. “All right. See you tomorrow. Good night.”
“G-good night.”
The older woman left the bedroom, leaving Naina alone inside once again. Naina hadn’t left the bedroom all day. She didn’t want to.
She didn’t want to admit it, but she was too afraid and uncertain of the night that was to come.
Shiv Jaipal had left her alone because she was too shocked and angry right after the wedding. It’s barely been a day, and the shock still didn’t wear off, but she was uncertain about the coming night.
She was going to defend herself, no doubt about it. But what if he overpowers her easily?
Even though she wasn’t trained formally, she knew self-defense. She had learned early on during childhood that she needed to be able to protect herself from predators.
But she didn’t think any of her defense moves would stop a determined man who was a foot taller th
an her and also broad and muscled. And what if he hurts her in return for attacking him?
She didn’t want to risk getting badly hurt or even possibly dying. Her mother would be left defenseless and all alone.
Even though her gut-feeling said Shiv Jaipal wasn’t a threat to her life, she didn’t want to take it for granted. He might not kill her at least for the sake of the alliance he made with her father, but he could still hurt her to make sure she didn’t oppose him.
Remember, he stopped your father from hitting you?
That does not necessarily mean he wouldn’t hurt and teach a lesson to his wife who rebelled.
Confused and frightened despite herself, she began to pace the bedroom floor.
Am I going to live in constant fear until I can escape him?
She knew three months wasn’t a very long time. But it was only her first day as Shiv Jaipal’s wife, and she was already a nervous wreck.
She stopped pacing and urged herself to calm down. She went and stood near the glass wall watching the night view of the city hoping to blank out the paranoid thoughts bombarding her brain.
She didn’t know how much time she continued to stand and gaze at the night view, but the soft sound of the bedroom door opening made her whip around.
He was back.
With her heart thudding, she saw him standing in front of the shut bedroom door, simply watching her. Their eyes met, and her heart thudded even harder at the look in his eyes.
His eyes swept over her night attire. Even though she was wearing yet another t-shirt and sweatpants, he made her feel as though she were wearing one of the lacy silk nightclothes that were kept inside the closet.
She controlled a gasp from escaping when he began to walk towards her. Straightening her spine, she prepared to fight him even if she knew she might end up getting hurt.
Her heart almost burst out of her chest as he neared. He stopped barely a foot away, towering over her once again.
“Let’s eat,” he said.
At the unexpected statement, she stared at him. “I-I’ve already eaten.”
She hated the slight stammer in her voice, but he unnerved her with his unpredictable behavior. She had expected him to barge in and demand or attack her, but asking her about dinner seemed… considerate.
“Sit with me and give me company,” he said.
She hesitated. She was tempted to do as he asked, just so she could demand answers to why he had deceived her using a false identity. But then she recalled her resolution not to give him the satisfaction of lying and also to be careful not to succumb to his manipulation.
“It’s late, and I’m sleepy.” She hurried towards the bed.
She didn’t want to share the bed with him. She had even considered moving to a different guest bedroom while he was out of the house. But she didn’t want to risk being forcibly dragged back to his room. It would be beyond humiliating. And she also recalled his mocking question when she had made the demand earlier that morning.
“Are you worried you won’t be able to control yourself?”
Feeling outraged, she went towards the bed and slid under the sheets before closing her eyes and pretending to fall asleep.
She wasn’t prepared for the intimacy. And she didn’t know what she would do when he came to bed and demanded his marital rights since it was technically their wedding night.
He knew she hated him, but he also knew how she had melted against him whenever he had kissed her. Even when he had forcibly kissed her right after their wedding, she had melted in his arms. Would he try to do the same again?
Her heart thudded hard, but she didn’t know if it was entirely in fear or anger.
There was something else, something dark she didn’t want to acknowledge. There was no doubt she would fight him with everything she had in her. But would that be enough?
She lay on the bed rigid and tense.
A while later, unable to bear not knowing, she cracked open her eyes into slits.
Her stomach quivered when she saw that he was shirtless. He had removed the suit jacket and shirt and placed them behind the chair. His well-defined muscles could be seen even from a distance, and his profile appeared relaxed as he looked out at the city night view while he ate.
Unable to tear her eyes away from him, she continued to watch him. But soon, he was done with his meal and was about to get up from the chair.
Immediately, she closed her eyes again, pretending to be asleep. Her heart thudded. Her breath caught in her throat while she waited for him to come and lie down next to her.
A lot of time passed as she waited. But nothing happened.
Slowly, exhaustion took over, and she fell asleep.
CHAPTER 2 4
“Good morning, Naina.”
Naina smiled hesitantly at the old man. “Good morning, Sitaram.”
Sitaram was dressed similarly wearing another sweater vest. “Would you like to have your breakfast?” he asked.
She didn’t know what to expect. She had woken up to an empty bed once again that morning. And she also noticed that the pillow wasn’t dented, and there were no signs of Shiv Jaipal sleeping next to her on the bed.
She was shocked, and a strange confusion and uncertainty had filled her. Was he deliberately drawing it out, or was he being considerate?
Pushing away those feelings, she freshened up. Instead of choosing sweatpants and a t-shirt, she picked and wore a simple cotton dress. Although the cut of the dress was simple and clean, she knew based on the designer label, it must have cost a fortune.
Since she had no other choice than to rely on others for basic food and clothing, she wore it. She planned to meet her mother first and then go to her father’s house to pick up her textbooks. The classes would resume in a week, but she still wanted to get them.
“Is… Shiv home?” she asked Sitaram.
The old man shook his head. “Shiv left early this morning. He asked me to tell you that he’ll be back next week.”
She felt relieved. “I see.” She smiled freely. “Yes, I’ll have breakfast.”
She followed the old man to the dining area which had a long, dark grey granite table that could seat at least twenty people.
“Take your seat. I’ll bring in the dishes.”
“Let me help you,” she said and followed him into the kitchen.
It was a huge, modern kitchen with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. There was a long counter with tall chairs and hanging lights over the countertop.
“Do you mind if I have my breakfast here?” she asked.
Sitaram looked surprised. “Sure. Not a problem.”
She sat on a tall chair. “Does Geetabhai come in every day?” she asked.
“Yes. She stays in one of the apartments downstairs with her husband. She made breakfast and went back down. She will be back to prepare lunch.”
“I see. Do you have a room here in the penthouse?” She hoped he would say yes.
“No. I have my apartment downstairs too. And so do the cleaning staff. We step out for breaks, but usually, we all leave at six o’clock in the evening.”
So it would be just her and the devil all alone from six in the evening until the next morning. Naina tried not to let her panic show. “Are there any taxis waiting downstairs, or do I need to call for one?” she asked.
Sitaram frowned. “Shiv told me you will be staying in the penthouse all week. Vasu, our head of security, will come by later and show you the facilities available in the building.”
Naina was shocked, and then angry that she was ordered to stay in the penthouse all week.
“I see.” She didn’t want to show her anger to the old man.
She finished her breakfast and helped Sitaram clear up the dishes even though he insisted she didn’t have to do it. When she was done, she returned to the bedroom.
She paced around the room in agitation.
How dare he order her to stay home as though she were a child!
Y
et again, she felt foolish thinking even for a few moments that he was being considerate.
He was the devil! She tried to think of a reason why she should listen to his orders. Although a major part of her screamed in warning that he was dangerous, she didn’t want to heed the warning.
She decided to test to see what he would do if she broke his order.
A few minutes later, she stepped out of the bedroom. Sitaram wasn’t around. She called out his name, but there was no response.
A part of her felt guilty that she might be putting Sitaram in trouble by breaking the explicit order. But she realized that the old man didn’t seem to be scared of the devil.
Biting her lip hesitantly and then taking a deep breath, she decided to simply leave.
She went to the main door of the penthouse and turned the knob to open it, but it didn’t open. Frowning, she tried again. It didn’t move. She stared at the sleek panel next to the door which required fingerprints and a code. Slowly she realized that she was truly locked inside the penthouse.
Frustrated, she banged on the door with her palms. “Open the door!” she shouted.
Her hands ached, but there was no response. Feeling furious, and having no other choice, she returned to the living room. She sat on the leather couch with her heart pounding in agitation and looked outside at the beautiful view with her hands clenched.
Yet again, she realized how much of a prisoner she was. Shiv Jaipal would use her and abuse her just like her father had done to her mother in the past.
The worst part was that despite knowing his true character, a part deep inside her still responded to him. She was weak when it came to him, just like her mother had been when it came to her father.
But she refused to be a helpless victim. She must think of a way to make her life easier until she escaped.
Her mind spun with thoughts. She knew she had to think of a plan, a good plan that would allow her to finish her education and make her escape without losing much in the process.
She needed to make a deal with the devil.
CHAPTER 2 5
