Back home, Tanvi couldn't shake off the lingering fear from the party. Every time she thought of the prince, a chill ran down her spine. She sat by the window, staring out at the bustling streets of the capital, lost in thought. Her heart still raced when she remembered the intense way Prince Ajay had looked at her. His obsession was palpable, and she wasn't sure how long she could avoid him.
Mira, sensing her unease, tried to lighten the mood. She sat beside Tanvi, nudging her gently. "So," Mira said with a teasing grin, "tell me, how does this prince look?"
Tanvi blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. "What?"
"Prince Ajay," Mira repeated, leaning closer. "He's a prince, right? He must be handsome. You haven't said a word about what he looks like."
Tanvi paused, thinking back to the night at the mansion. Despite everything, she couldn't deny that the prince was striking. His sharp features, regal bearing, and deep, intense eyes made him stand out in a crowd. She sighed, reluctant to admit it.
"Well… he's good-looking, I guess," Tanvi said quietly, a slight frown tugging at her lips.
"Good-looking?" Mira raised an eyebrow, clearly expecting more. "Come on, details! Tall? Dark? Muscular? You have to give me something here!"
Tanvi rolled her eyes, trying to push aside the image of his face that had been haunting her. "Yes, tall. Dark hair. He's… intimidating, Mira. His eyes… they don't feel like they belong to someone kind."
Mira's playful grin faded as she sensed Tanvi's anxiety. "Was he really that bad? I mean, sure, he sounds a little intense, but he can't be all that scary, right?"
Tanvi didn't respond immediately. Instead, she just stared out of the window, biting her lip. She wasn't sure how to explain it. There was something about Prince Ajay that wasn't just unsettling; it was dangerous. The rumors about him being ruthless weren't just whispers anymore—they felt real, and now, he had fixated on her.
Before Mira could press her further, a voice called from the front of their shop. "Is Tanvi here?"
Mira jumped up from her seat. "I'll check who it is," she said, disappearing into the storefront. Tanvi stayed where she was, trying to calm her racing heart.
Moments later, Mira returned, her face pale. "Tanvi," she said in a hushed tone, "you need to come out front. Now."
"What is it?" Tanvi asked, frowning at Mira's expression.
"It's… it's the prince. He's here."
Tanvi's heart nearly stopped. "The prince?" she whispered, eyes wide. "Here?"
Mira nodded, her face tense with worry. "He's waiting for you."
Taking a deep breath, Tanvi stood and smoothed her dress. Her hands were trembling, but she forced herself to calm down. If she showed fear, it would only make things worse. Slowly, she made her way to the front of the shop.
There he was—Prince Ajay, standing tall in their modest shop, looking entirely out of place in his fine clothes. His dark eyes immediately found her, and a small, almost satisfied smile curled on his lips. Tanvi swallowed hard, fighting the urge to flee.
"Tanvi," he greeted her, his voice smooth and commanding. "It's good to see you again."
"Your Highness," Tanvi replied, keeping her voice steady, though her heart was pounding. "What brings you here?"
Ajay stepped closer, his gaze never leaving hers. "I came to personally invite you to the upcoming Durga Puja festival," he said, pulling out a finely wrapped package. "I've even brought a dress for you to wear. I expect to see you there."
Tanvi's eyes widened in shock as he handed her the package. The fabric inside looked luxurious, far too grand for someone of her standing. She hesitated, unsure of how to respond.
"That's… very kind of you, Your Highness," she said slowly, trying to think of a way to decline. "But I'm not sure I should—"
"I insist," Ajay cut her off, his tone leaving no room for argument. His eyes flashed with something dangerous, and for a brief moment, Tanvi saw the cold, ruthless man the rumors spoke of.
She took a deep breath, nodding despite the fear building inside her. "Of course, Your Highness. I… I'll be there."
Ajay's smile widened slightly, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Good," he said softly. "I'll be looking forward to it."
With that, he turned and left, his long coat sweeping behind him as he walked out of the shop and into the street. The tension in the room eased the moment he was gone, but Tanvi felt no relief. Her hands still trembled as she clutched the package tightly.
Mira rushed to her side, her face pale. "What just happened?" she asked in disbelief. "He just showed up… and gave you a dress?"
Tanvi nodded, sinking into the nearest chair. "He's… he's not going to stop, Mira," she said, her voice shaking. "He's obsessed. He really thinks I'm the woman from his dream, and now he's trying to trap me."
Mira knelt beside her, grabbing her hands. "What are we going to do?"
"I don't know," Tanvi whispered, her mind racing. "I don't know how to get out of this. If I refuse him, he might ruin everything—our business, our lives…"
"And the rumors," Mira muttered, her eyes wide with realization. "They say he's ruthless. That he doesn't take no for an answer."
Tanvi nodded, staring blankly at the fine fabric in her lap. The rumors about Prince Ajay being loveless and cruel suddenly felt far more real. He wasn't just a prince with power—he was a man who was used to getting what he wanted, no matter the cost.
"We're in trouble, Mira," Tanvi said quietly. "Real trouble."
The Durga Puja festival was in full swing, with vibrant colors and joyous celebrations all around. The air was filled with the sound of drums, chanting, and the sweet scent of incense. Tanvi walked through the grand venue, dressed in a beautiful, modest outfit of her own choosing, deliberately leaving behind the lavish dress Prince Ajay had gifted her. The dress he had chosen sat untouched in her room, too symbolic of the control he sought to exert over her. She couldn't let him dictate even that part of her life.
As Tanvi mingled with the other nobles, Prince Ajay's eyes were fixed on her from a distance. He noticed the absence of the dress he had gifted her, and his expression darkened with curiosity. Eventually, he made his way over, a slow smirk playing on his lips as he stopped beside her.
"Tanvi," he greeted, his voice low and smooth, but carrying an edge. "I see you're not wearing the dress I gave you."
Tanvi glanced up at him, forcing a polite smile. "Your Highness," she said, bowing her head slightly. "The dress was beautiful, truly. But it didn't quite fit well."
It was a lie, of course. The dress fit perfectly, but wearing it would have meant surrendering a part of her independence. Prince Ajay studied her for a moment, his smirk growing wider. He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping as if to keep their conversation private.
"Didn't fit, you say?" he murmured, his gaze sharp. "How unfortunate. I thought it was made just for you."
Tanvi felt her heart skip a beat under the intensity of his stare. "I appreciate the thought, Your Highness," she replied carefully. "But comfort is important, especially for a long day like this."
Ajay straightened, the smirk never leaving his face. "Of course," he said, his tone dripping with amusement. "Comfort is important, indeed."
Before the conversation could continue, the sounds of the festival seemed to blur as Tanvi's focus shifted. She glanced around, noticing something off. "Where's Mira?" she muttered to herself, scanning the crowd. Her heart began to race. Mira had been right beside her not long ago, enjoying the festivities.
Tanvi's pulse quickened as she realized Mira was nowhere to be found. Panic began to bubble up inside her. She grabbed one of the nearby servants, her voice urgent.
"Have you seen Mira? The woman who was with me?" she asked.
The servant shook her head, looking confused. "I haven't, ma'am."
Tanvi turned back to Ajay, her anxiety evident. "Mira's missing. She was just here. I don't know where she's gone."
Ajay's expression shifted immediately, the amusement vanishing from his face. "Missing?" he repeated, his voice now serious. "How long has she been gone?"
"Just a few minutes," Tanvi replied, her mind racing. "But she wouldn't just disappear without saying anything."
Ajay wasted no time. He signaled to one of his guards nearby. "Find her," he ordered sharply. "Search the grounds, discreetly."
Tanvi's breath was shallow, her heart pounding in her chest. Every second that passed felt like an eternity. She couldn't lose Mira—not like this. As Ajay's men spread out through the festival, Tanvi herself began searching the nearby areas, asking anyone she could if they had seen her friend.
Minutes felt like hours, and Tanvi's worry only deepened. Suddenly, one of the prince's guards approached her, his expression grim.
"We've found something, ma'am," the guard said, his tone respectful but tense. "You may want to come with us."
Tanvi followed the guard, her heart in her throat. They led her to a secluded area behind the festival grounds, where a small group of Ajay's men had gathered around a struggling figure. Tanvi's eyes widened in horror as she saw Mira, her wrists tied, but otherwise unharmed. She was struggling against the ropes, her eyes wide with fear.
"Mira!" Tanvi cried, rushing over. She dropped to her knees beside her friend, quickly working to untie the bindings. "Are you okay? What happened?"
Mira nodded, her breath shaky but grateful to see Tanvi. "I'm fine," she whispered, though her voice trembled. "It was… it was a man. Someone from a noble family. He… he tried to force me to marry him. When I refused, he had me kidnapped."
Tanvi's blood ran cold. "Who did this?"
Mira hesitated, her eyes darting around nervously. "His name is Viraj," she whispered. "He's from a wealthy family in the city. He couldn't stand the idea of me rejecting him, so he thought he could… take me by force."
Prince Ajay, who had arrived with his guards, heard every word. His eyes darkened with anger, his jaw clenched. "Viraj," he repeated, his voice cold. "He'll pay for this."
Tanvi helped Mira to her feet, her hands trembling as she wrapped an arm around her friend. "Thank you," she whispered to Ajay, though she was still wary of him. "For helping us."
Ajay's eyes softened slightly as he looked at her. "No one should be taken like that," he said, his voice gentler now. "Especially not someone close to you."
Before Tanvi could respond, the guard who had found Mira spoke up. "We've apprehended Viraj, Your Highness. He's being detained."
Ajay nodded curtly. "Good. I'll handle him personally."
Mira clung to Tanvi, her legs still shaky. "Let's get out of here," she whispered.
Tanvi nodded, guiding her away from the scene. As they walked back toward the main festival, Tanvi's mind raced. The encounter with Prince Ajay had shaken her, but the kidnapping had left her with a deeper fear. Mira had almost been taken from her, and the man responsible was someone who thought his wealth and status gave him power over others.
Back at their shop later that evening, Mira sat down heavily, her face pale. "I can't believe this happened," she murmured, shaking her head. "Just because I said no to him. How arrogant do you have to be?"
Tanvi sat beside her, her own mind still spinning. "We're going to have to be more careful," she said softly. "There are people out there who will try to control us, just like Prince Ajay."
Mira glanced at her, frowning. "Speaking of which… what are we going to do about him? He's not going to stop, is he?"
Tanvi didn't answer immediately. She knew Mira was right. Prince Ajay wasn't the type of man to give up easily. But now, with Mira's kidnapping and the prince's growing interest in her, things were becoming far more dangerous than she had anticipated.
"I don't know," Tanvi admitted, her voice low. "But we'll figure it out. We have to."
Mira leaned her head on Tanvi's shoulder, sighing deeply. "We're always in the middle of trouble, aren't we?"
Tanvi managed a small, sad smile. "Seems like it."
As the night settled around them, the weight of the day's events hung heavily in the air. Tanvi's mind raced with thoughts of what was to come. The dangers were multiplying, and the world around them was becoming more treacherous by the day. She had to find a way to protect herself and those she cared about, no matter the cost.
The news spread quickly throughout the kingdom—Viraj and his entire family had been found dead in their mansion. The gruesome discovery shocked the nobles, and whispers filled the streets, but no one dared to question what had happened. Tanvi, however, had no doubt in her mind who was behind the massacre.
Prince Ajay.
The thought of it made her sick. She had seen the dark, possessive side of the prince, but this? To eliminate an entire family just because they had wronged her friend? She had been grateful for Mira's rescue, but the price... the cost was too much. She couldn't remain silent any longer.
One evening, as Tanvi was finishing her work at the shop, the door creaked open. She didn't need to look up to know who it was. The weight of his presence was enough. Prince Ajay stood in the doorway, his cold gaze locked on her.
"Tanvi," he said, his voice low and smooth, but carrying an unmistakable threat. "I've come for my payment."
Tanvi's blood ran cold. "Payment?" she repeated, her voice hardening as she turned to face him. "What do you mean?"
Ajay stepped forward, his lips curling into a twisted smile. "Viraj and his family. They're no longer an issue, are they?" He moved closer, his eyes narrowing. "You owe me, Tanvi. And the payment I demand is simple. Marry me."
The words hit her like a punch to the gut. Marry him? After everything? Her shock quickly turned to fury, and before she could think, her hand flew across his face with a sharp slap. The sound echoed in the room, and for a moment, everything went still.
Ajay didn't move. His expression didn't change, but the atmosphere shifted. The air grew thick, almost suffocating, as his gaze darkened. Slowly, he lifted a hand to touch his cheek where she had struck him.
"You'll regret that," he said, his voice dangerously calm. "I'll ask you again, Tanvi. Is this 'lover' of yours—this man you claim to be waiting for—more important to you than your own life? More important than Mira's life?"
Tanvi felt her heart hammering in her chest. The weight of his words settled like a stone in her stomach, but she forced herself to stand tall. She couldn't let him see her fear, not now. Her voice was steady, even if her hands trembled slightly.
"If you think you can scare me, Your Highness, you're wrong," she said, her eyes blazing. "I am not afraid of your words or your actions. Do whatever you think you can, but I won't bend to your will."
Ajay's eyes flashed with something dark—something dangerous. For a moment, Tanvi thought he might lash out at her, but instead, he simply smiled. A slow, predatory smile.
"We'll see," he murmured. "You're brave, Tanvi. I admire that. But bravery only lasts so long."
With that, he turned and left, his figure disappearing into the night, leaving Tanvi standing there, her heart racing. She had confronted him, stood her ground, but at what cost? She was scared—terrified, even—but she wouldn't let him control her life. Not like this.
The next morning, Tanvi awoke to find Mira still feverish, her skin pale and clammy. The stress of the kidnapping and the murder of Viraj's family had taken its toll on her health. Tanvi sat by her bedside, wiping her friend's forehead with a damp cloth, her mind racing with worry.
Later that night, in the privacy of his chambers, Prince Ajay sat by the fire, his expression thoughtful. One of his trusted men entered the room, bowing before speaking in a low voice.
"Your Highness," the man said, stepping forward with a parchment in hand. "I have what you asked for."
Ajay's smile returned, cold and calculating, as he took the document. He studied it for a moment, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Good," he murmured. "This will make things... interesting."
The man leaned in, whispering something into the prince's ear. Whatever he said, it made Ajay's smile widen. "So, she has a weakness after all," Ajay mused. "Perfect. Now I have everything I need."
As the fire crackled in the hearth, Ajay sat back in his chair, his mind already working on how he would use this newfound information. Tanvi had challenged him, and he had found her resolve admirable. But everyone had a breaking point, and now he was certain he had found hers.
The game was just beginning, and Tanvi had no idea what was coming.