𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞

💕FALLING DEEPER-CHAPTER-9

Third pov :

The nightclub was alive with energy, filled with the rich and powerful flaunting their designer outfits, expensive watches, and practiced charisma. The pounding bass of the music echoed through the space,  In a private suite tucked away from the main floor, Ajay sat slouched on a luxurious leather couch. Two empty vodka bottles stood as silent witnesses to his spiraling state. His shirt hung open, exposing his chest.

Beside him, wrapped only in a towel, was Reena. The daughter of Sudharshan, she was cunning, arrogant, and every bit as ruthless as her father. Yet, with Ajay, she was a different person—obsessed, desperate, and blindly devoted. Her love for him was more like a dangerous addiction. She would do anything for him, even degrade herself if it meant staying by his side. Ajay used her obsession to his advantage, exploiting her loyalty without hesitation.

Reena clung to him, her arms wrapping tightly around his torso. "Come on, baby," she cooed, "Don't think about it too much. Let me help you forget. I don't want you getting into trouble."

Ajay's jaw tightened, his hand suddenly shooting up to grab her by the throat. His grip wasn't violent,  her eyes widening in surprise. His gaze burned with a mix of anger and disdain. 

"Don't underestimate me, Reena," he hissed, his voice cold and razor-sharp. "I know how to handle trouble. I'll make Rudhran regret crossing me." 

Reena, however, lived for moments like this—moments when Ajay's intensity seemed to need her, even if it wasn't love. She let out a small sigh and kissed his neck, her lips lingering as she whispered, "Then go your way, Ajay. You've got the men, the money, and the power to do it. You're no less than him. You just need to strike first."

Her words seeped into his mind like poison, and Ajay's expression darkened. Reena shifted, leaning closer, "Tell me what to do, and I'll do it. Anything you want, Ajay. You know I'm yours."

Ajay's lips curled into a smirk, his mind already buzzing with possibilities. He looked down at Reena, pulling her closer as his grip on her throat relaxed. She was a pawn, but one who willingly placed herself on the board for him.

"Good girl," he murmured mockingly, and pulled her to him. He didn't care for her obsession, but he knew how to exert it. If Reena's blind devotion could help him bring Rudhran down, then he wouldn't hesitate to use her.

Reena's eyes gleamed with hope, misunderstanding his actions as affection. She would do anything for him, even step into the fire if he commanded it. 

Eswaran mansion:

Rudhran pov:

It was late—well past 11. The entire house was quiet, lights dimmed, and everyone was tucked away in their comfortable little corners. Except for me. My day had dragged longer than I wanted, I'd sent Vishnu home early, assuring him I'd handle things here.and now, I was finally home. Parking my car in the shed, I slung my coat over my shoulder, loosened my tie further, and grabbed my laptop bag. A quick glance at my reflection in the car window confirmed it: I looked as tired as I felt.

I walked up to the entrance,  The estate was quiet, shrouded in that deep, eerie stillness that only came when everyone else was asleep. But something caught my eye—a flicker of movement near the small shrine to Murugan in the garden. I paused, a strange tingle of curiosity prickling at my senses and walked towards that.

Who in their right mind would be out here at this hour?

I was about to move on when I saw her. Aaradhya. Seated on the stone step with her back turned to me, she didn't know I was there. I let the silence stretch, my gaze on her. The low, steady hum of crickets was the only sound until her soft voice broke through, fragile and raw.