Chapter 9

InkedImagination

@Queen0fDarkness

Chapter 9 - Veil of Deception

Geet looked at the mehendi on her palms, the dark henna symbolised love, devotion and new beginnings for any bride, yet for her, this was not love. This was a carefully calculated charade that she had played for the last couple of months. Geet allowed her mask to falter today and tears stung her eyes. She is well and truly alone on what should have been the most joyous day of her life surrounded by her parents, relative and friends. However, she had no one. She couldn’t risk inviting anyone from her real life. The Khuranas couldn’t know the truth, nor could she allow anyone who knew her past to accidentally reveal it. Instead, she had invited colleagues from work. They didn’t know her well, but their presence created the illusion that she wasn’t utterly isolated. It was a hollow comfort.

Her maroon lehenga was heavy with intricate gold embroidery. The skirt flared out gracefully, the rich fabric shimmering under the warm light. The blouse fit snugly, its neckline modest yet elegant, with gold thread work adorning the sleeves and hem. Her dupatta, a masterpiece of translucent fabric edged with delicate embellishments, was draped over her head, obscuring her face and providing the anonymity she so desperately needed. No one could truly see her—not the photographers, not the guests. It was perfect.

The wedding ceremony was being held in the Khurana estate’s sprawling garden, under a canopy of twinkling lights and floral arrangements. The chanting of the priest filled the air as Geet was led to the mandap, her steps measured, her heart heavy. Maan was already seated, his sherwani a deep navy blue with intricate gold detailing, exuding an effortless elegance. His face lit up as he saw her approach, his smile wide and genuine.

Geet’s dupatta shielded her expression, but inside, her mind raced. This is it, she thought. The final piece of the puzzle. Once I’m in, there’s no turning back.

Geet moved through the motions with precision, her hands clasped in prayer, her voice steady as she repeated the vows.

When it came time for the pheras, Geet rose, her hand lightly placed in Maan’s as they circled the fire. Each step was a promise, a bond being formed. To the world, it was the beginning of a lifetime of love and partnership. To Geet, it was a binding agreement in her mission for justice.

Finally, Maan tied the mangalsutra around her neck, the sacred black and gold beads a symbol of their union. He applied sindoor to her parting, and applause erupted among the guests as the priest declared them husband and wife. A tear escaped from Geet and her heart cracked. She had married her sister’s killer.

Maan turned to her with a soft smile, his eyes bright and excited. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the world, Geet” he whispered.

She managed a small smile beneath the veil, nodding slightly. If only you knew the truth, she thought.

The entire Khurana estate was buzzing with laughter, music and dancing. Geet was now alone in the beautifully decorated bedroom overlooking the garden as she waited for Maan.

Geet’s eyes were drawn to the celebrations below. Maan’s family and relatives were scattered across the garden, laughing, drinking, and dancing. They were carefree, basking in the joy of the occasion. Geet’s lips curled into a bitter smile. How ironic, she thought. This same family that destroyed mine is now celebrating as if they’ve gained everything.

The weight of the mangalsutra and sindoor felt suffocating, symbols of a bond that was nothing more than a façade. Her hands clenched at the windowsill as she watched the Khuranas revel in their own world, oblivious to the storm brewing within their new daughter-in-law.

Soon, she told herself. Soon, all of this will crumble. They’ll see what it feels like to lose everything, just as my family did.

The sound of the door opening behind her pulled her from her thoughts. She turned slightly, her veil still covering part of her face, as Maan stepped into the room. His eyes lit up when he saw her, his smile as genuine as ever.

“You look beautiful” he said softly, walking towards her. “And I can’t believe you’re mine”.

Geet offered him a demure nod, her mask firmly in place.

“You’ve been quiet all evening” Maan said softly, his voice gentle as he approached her. She felt his presence behind her, the warmth of him just inches away. “Are you all right?”

Geet turned slowly, her face calm and unreadable beneath the veil. “It’s been a long day” she replied, her voice steady but soft. “A lot to take in”.

Maan reached out, lifting her veil carefully, his touch reverent. As her face was revealed, his eyes softened, filled with adoration. “You’re breathtaking” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Geet forced a small smile, her heart pounding not from love or anticipation, but from the sheer weight of what she was about to endure. She couldn’t flinch, couldn’t hesitate. Any sign of discomfort or resistance would shatter the illusion she had worked so hard to create.

Maan stepped closer, his hands resting lightly on her arms. “I know this is all new” he said gently. “And I don’t want you to feel pressured. Tonight is about us starting our life together, and I want it to be special for you”.

Geet nodded, her smile softening slightly. “Thank you, Maan” she said, her voice warm and sincere, though the emotions behind it were far more complex.

He leaned in slowly, his lips brushing hers in a tender kiss. Geet’s breath hitched, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she let herself respond just enough to keep the illusion intact. Her mind, however, was elsewhere, a silent mantra repeating: This is just another step in the plan. Just another step.

As Maan deepened the kiss, his arms encircling her waist, Geet willed herself to stay composed. She let him guide her towards the bed, her movements deliberate and smooth, never betraying the turmoil inside. Her body responded just enough to maintain the façade, every touch, every gesture calculated to appear natural and genuine.

The intimacy that followed was mechanical for Geet, a necessary act in her mission. She focused on her breathing, her thoughts locked on her ultimate goal. This is temporary, she told herself. A means to an end.

Maan, oblivious to her internal detachment, held her close afterward, his voice filled with emotion as he whispered about their future together. “I’ve never been this happy” he said, his hand brushing her hair gently. “You’re my everything, Geet”.

Geet lay still, her head resting on his chest, her expression serene. “I’m glad” she murmured, her voice steady. Inside, her thoughts were cold and distant, already calculating her next move.

As Maan drifted off to sleep, his arm draped protectively around her, Geet stared at the ceiling, her mind racing. One step closer, she thought. I’ve played my part tonight. Soon, this will all be worth it.

She turned her head slightly, watching Maan’s peaceful expression in the dim candlelight. He looked so content, so blissfully unaware of the storm brewing right beside him. Geet’s lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile.

Enjoy this happiness while it lasts, Maan Singh Khurana, she thought. Because soon, everything you hold dear will come crashing down.

Geet silently slipped out of the bed while Maan was still fast asleep. She moved carefully, each step deliberate and quiet as she left the bedroom. She glanced around ensuring that there were no staff or any lingering guests before she made her way down the hallway. She had one purpose in her mind.

She paused as she came to a large wooden door at the end of the second floor and carefully turned the handle, she peered inside and realised this is Raj Khurana’s home office. The room exuded power and authority, dark mahogany bookshelves lined the walls, a large desk placed in the centre was methodically organised. She made a mental note of everything, her mind cataloguing potential access points and vulnerabilities. This is where everything happens, she thought grimly, imagining all the deals and decisions made here that had crushed her family’s fight for justice. Her jaw tightened, but she quickly composed herself.

Exiting the study, she continued down the hallway, her movements swift and purposeful. She passed several guest rooms before stopping at another door, slightly ajar. She pushed it open cautiously and stepped into Veena’s office.

This space was elegant and modern, a stark contrast to the traditional decor of the rest of the mansion. A sleek white desk sat in the centre, with a high-tech computer and several neatly stacked binders. The walls were adorned with abstract art, and a side table held a crystal vase of fresh lilies.

Geet’s eyes darted around the room, taking in the layout and details. Veena’s influence was palpable here—efficient, calculated, and meticulous. Her fingers itched to search the drawers and files, but she knew she couldn’t risk it, not yet. This was merely reconnaissance. She needed to understand the terrain before making her next move.

She slipped back into her new bedroom just as the first sounds of life stirred in the mansion. Maan remained asleep, and she hurried into the en-suite bathroom to shower and get dressed. The water cascaded over her as she methodically planned her next steps. Gaining unrestricted access to Raj and Veena’s offices would be her priority, but it had to be done without raising any suspicion.

Geet stepped out of the shower and wrapped a soft white towel around her body, droplets of water clung to her skin and her damp hair fell in loose waves over her shoulders. She stepped out and saw Maan stirring. He stretched lazily and slowly sat up blinking his eyes. A small smile on his lips.

“Morning” he greeted her gently, his eyes silently roving over her body and his smile getting wider. He pushed off the blanket, only dressed in his boxers, his intent clear in his eyes and the tent below evident of his purpose as he strode towards her.

Geet glanced at his reflection in the mirror, she remained calm and said in a firm and steady voice. “Brush your teeth and shower, darling”.

“But I want to love my beautiful wife” he said with a chuckle sliding his arms around her and nuzzled her neck.

“We’re going to be running late for breakfast. You know your parents like things to run smoothly and we need to be punctual” she reminded giving him a polite smile. “Go” she ushered.

He groaned dropping a kiss to the side of her neck before he reluctantly released her. “Ok fine…” he mumbled and grinned at her as she playfully pinched his cheeks. He grabbed his towel and headed to the bathroom, the sound of running water soon followed. Geet exhaled quietly; she stared at herself in the mirror. Every interaction, every moment, was part of her carefully constructed act.

After breakfast, the Khurana mansion began to quieten as Veena and Raj left for their respective offices. The house staff moved efficiently, clearing the remnants of the lavish meal and resetting the dining room to its usual pristine state. Maan leaned back in his chair, looking relaxed and content as he sipped his coffee. Geet, meanwhile, folded her napkin neatly, her mind already working.

She had taken a few days off from work, as had Maan, and the thought of spending too much uninterrupted time with him made her stomach churn. While she had successfully managed to deflect his advances earlier, she knew Maan’s affection for her wasn’t going to wane any time soon. She needed to keep him distracted and herself distanced.

Setting her cup down gently, she turned to him, a warm smile on her lips. “Maan” she began, her tone casual but engaging, “I was thinking… I still don’t know the mansion very well. How about you give me an extensive tour today? Show me everything—every room, every corner”.

Maan’s brows rose slightly in surprise, but then he smiled, leaning closer to her. “I thought you’d seen most of it by now. But if you want a proper tour, I’d be happy to show you around”.

“And afterward” Geet continued smoothly, “we could go out for lunch. Somewhere private, just the two of us. It’ll give us a chance to relax without interruptions”.

Maan’s smile widened, his eyes lighting up. “You want to spend the day with me? I like the sound of that”.

The mansion was even more sprawling than Geet had initially realised. Maan began with the main areas she was already somewhat familiar with—the grand ballroom, the vast library with floor-to-ceiling shelves, and the lavish guest suites. His commentary was lighthearted, filled with anecdotes about his childhood and family events held in various parts of the house.

Geet listened attentively, her responses warm and encouraging, though her mind was always half-focused on her surroundings. She mentally catalogued the layout of each room, noting potential areas of interest or hidden vulnerabilities.

When they reached the second floor, Maan gestured to the doors lining the hallway. “These are mostly family quarters. Maa’s office is down that way, and Dad’s study is just across from it. You’ve probably seen them in passing.”

“I haven’t had the chance to go inside,” Geet said casually, tilting her head. “They seem like such private spaces. I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

Maan shrugged, smiling. “They’re private, yes, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind you stepping in if you needed something. You’re family now, after all.”

The word “family” made Geet’s stomach tighten, but she smiled softly, nodding as they moved on.

The restaurant Maan chose was one of the city’s most exclusive, its private dining rooms designed to cater to the elite. As they were ushered into a secluded room with soft lighting and plush seating, Geet felt a sense of relief. The privacy was both a shield and a strategy—an opportunity to continue playing her role without the scrutiny of prying eyes.

“This place is perfect,” Maan said, pulling out a chair for her. “I thought you might like it.”

“It’s lovely,” Geet replied, her tone genuinely appreciative. “Thank you for arranging this.”

As they settled in and the waiter began taking their orders, Geet allowed herself a moment of satisfaction. She had successfully managed the day so far, keeping Maan’s attention focused while subtly continuing her own plans. Each step, each interaction, was bringing her closer to her goal.

As Maan began talking about future plans—places he wanted to take her, ideas for their new life together—Geet smiled and nodded, her responses perfectly timed. Inside, however, her thoughts remained sharp and calculating. The Khurana mansion had given her a glimpse of the tools she needed, and she wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip through her fingers.

“I really don’t want to leave you alone today,” he said as he adjusted the cuffs of his shirt. “It’s only been 2 days since the wedding, and I feel guilty heading to the office”

Geet smiled softly and reassured him quickly. “Maan, it’s just a couple of hours. I’ll be fine. Besides, it’s not like I don’t know how to keep myself busy.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I promise it’ll be quick. Just a meeting with Dad and the team, and I’ll be back before you even miss me.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” Geet teased lightly, brushing an invisible speck of lint off his lapel. “By the way, is it all right if I use the home office while you’re gone? I’ve got some emails to catch up on.”

“Of course,” Maan said without hesitation. “It’s all yours”.

“Thank you,” she said, her smile widening as she reached up to kiss his cheek. “Bye”.

Once Maan and Veena had left the mansion, the house fell into a serene quiet. The staff, having finished their morning tasks, retreated to the outhouse next door for a well-deserved break.

Geet moved swiftly but calmly, her laptop in hand as she made her way to Raj’s home office. The large wooden door loomed ahead, but Geet pushed it open confidently. Anyone who might stumble upon her would assume she was merely working, as Maan had said she would be.

The study was as she remembered it: imposing, methodical, and impeccably organised. She placed her laptop on the large desk and settled into the chair, the smooth leather cool against her skin. Opening her laptop, she reached into her bag and retrieved a small USB drive. It was unassuming, but it contained everything she needed to bypass Raj Khurana’s digital defences.

Geet’s fingers flew across the keyboard, her years of training and preparation coming into play. She inserted the USB into Raj’s computer, her laptop connecting seamlessly with his system. Lines of code scrolled rapidly across the screen as she worked to unlock the backdoors of his network.

Within moments, she was in.

Raj’s entire digital footprint was at her fingertips - his personal emails, encrypted files, financial records, and private business dealings. She carefully navigated through each section, ensuring she left no trace of her intrusion.

She paused momentarily, her eyes narrowing as she accessed his offshore bank accounts. The sheer amount of wealth and the transactions she uncovered were staggering. Deals shrouded in secrecy, funds moved through shell companies - evidence of just how deeply the Khuranas’ influence and corruption ran.

Geet’s lips curled into a small, satisfied smile as she typed a command into her laptop. Within seconds, a secure connection was established between Raj’s system and her devices. Now, she could access everything remotely - his accounts, his business dealings, his private communications - all from the safety of her phone or laptop, without ever needing to step foot in this study again.

Before closing the system, she planted a silent tracker that would alert her to any significant activity. If Raj Khurana made a move, she would know instantly.

Her job here was done.

Geet removed the USB, closed her laptop, and stood, taking a moment to ensure everything was as she had found it. She adjusted the chair, smoothed the desk, and cast a final glance around the room before slipping out quietly.

Geet sat at the desk, opening her laptop once again. Veena’s system was just as secure as Raj’s, but Geet was prepared. She inserted the USB and began working, her fingers dancing over the keys as she bypassed the layers of security.

Once inside, she accessed Veena’s schedule, communications, and confidential project files. Her dealings with influential figures, her carefully curated network of alliances, and even her personal notes were all laid bare. Geet’s focus sharpened as she noted patterns in Veena’s communication—a web of connections that could be used to her advantage.

She repeated the same process as before, establishing remote access and planting a tracker. Veena’s world was now as accessible to Geet as if it were her own.

As Geet walked back to the bedroom, her pace was unhurried, her expression composed. The morning’s work had been a resounding success, but there was no room for complacency. Every step forward brought her closer to her goal, and she couldn’t afford a single misstep.

She placed her laptop back in its bag and sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes briefly drifting to the framed wedding photo on the nightstand. In it, Maan’s smile was wide and genuine, his arm wrapped protectively around her.

Geet’s lips curled into a faint smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

“How could you smile, Maan?” she questioned. “When you wiped off the smile of our faces when you killed my sister?” she murmured.

Chapter 10 - The Unravelling *Possible last part*

I hope you are all enjoying this and look forward to the possible final chapter coming soon. Please do hit the like and comment. I really enjoyed my days off writing for this one. Hopefully I can post or two chapters for the other stories before I'm back to work on Monday.