Beyhadh: Nafrati Ishq ~ Mayra FF

Manvi Singh always believed in TRUE LOVE, she too dreamt of her PRINCE CHARMING who like ROMEO would take her to his KINGDOM OF LOVE.

But, HER WORLD turns UPSIDE DOWN, when her first love betrays her, snatches everything and leaves a very painful memory for her for entire lifetime.

After 10 long years of wait, Manvi returns as a completely new personality, MAYA JAISINGH, to take her REVENGE from her first love who is the major cause of her torments. To accomplish her revenge, she targets THE MOST PRECIOUS THINGS in his LIFE, his sons "Rudra" & "Rishi".

Maya lays well played traps for both but she starts falling weak in her HATRED when she starts developing LOVE for Rudra.

Read this thriller-romantic love story of RUMA, where Maya's limitless HATRED turns into LIMITLESS LOVE.

Character Sketch:

Jennifer Winget as Maya Jaisingh

A woman who has lost the beautiful bright colours from her life due to some tragic incident, hence the only colour she wears and thinks to have in life is BLACK. Maya enters as a mysterious woman in Rudra and Rishi's lives. For one she saves the life, while for the other she threatens to take the life. As time moves on, Maya becomes a very important part of both the brothers' lives. However, Maya has hidden motives, she has come to DESTROY MJ's sons due to her vengeful past with him. She finds her strength through her worship to LORD MAHAVISHNU who idol is also in BLACK in her home.

Shivin Narang as Rudra Mritunjay Roy

MJ and Antara's first son, who is seen wearing the RUDRAAKSH BRACELET which is connected to Maya's past. Being the CEO of RUAN PUBLICATIONS, he had to hire Maya as his company's STAR WRITER cum INVESTOR in order to save his company. He hates Maya in the beginning due to her extremely rough and tough attitude. But, as time moves on, when he discovers the sweet and emotional side of Maya, he starts falling for her. However, he is unable to accept his feelings and tries to run away due to his tragic past experiences of heartbreak in LOVE. Thus, he gets engaged to Ananya to keep away from his feelings for Maya.

Ashish Chaudhary as Mritunjay "MJ" Roy

Rudra and Rishi's father, Antara's husband, Diya's lover and Maya's ex-boyfriend. A powerholic business tycoon who likes to keep everyone in his family under control by controlling their lives. His greatest strenght and weakness are his sons RUDRA and RISHI. Rudra opposes his bossy and overdominant nature of his dad. While Rishi, unaware of his dad's evil side has made his DAD a ROLE MODEL.

Rajat Verma as Rishi Mritunjay Roy

MJ and Antara's second son and Rudra's younger brother. He is innocent and childish in nature who doesn't know anything about the evilness of the outside world. He gets instantly attracted to Maya's beauty at their first meeting when she saves him and thus easily entrapped in her plan to lure him.

Kangan Nangia as Ananya

Rudra's childhood best friend and his lover even though, he does not reciprocate her feelings. She is also his buisness associate and a loyal advisor. She loves Rudra a lot, that she agrees to marry him even when she knows he has no feelings for her.

Author's Note

First and foremost, I would like to dedicate this fanfiction to three of my cherished friends and readers—Shanaya, Sylvia, and one more special person who encouraged me privately to embark on this journey. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to each of you for inspiring me to explore a new realm: Crime-Thriller Romance.

As a writer who delights in experimenting across genres, I've previously ventured into Romance and Fantasy-Romance with my earlier fanfictions. Now, with BEYHADH, I delve into a darker, more complex emotional world—one that challenges both the writer and the reader.

Before we begin, I must express my deep appreciation for the original creative team of BEYHADH 2, who created a show unlike any other, filled with gripping suspense, emotional depth, and bold storytelling. Writing in this genre isn't easy—it demands layered emotions, twisted turns, and high-stake revelations.

Chapter 1 (When Fire Meets Storm)

The boardroom at Ruan Publications buzzed with quiet anticipation. Rudra Roy—the young, rebellious CEO—was running late. Again.

His laidback charm, paired with his unpredictable leadership style, kept both critics and admirers on edge. But none of that mattered to Maya Jaisingh.

Clad in black, her long hair cascading in soft waves, Maya sat poised at the far end of the conference table. She wasn't just a writer. She was a force. Elegant, yet enigmatic. Her novels cut into the human psyche with surgical precision. Pain, betrayal, revenge—these weren't just themes in her books. They were truths she had bled.

The reason she chose Ruan Publications for her latest novel?

Mritunjay Roy.

Her fists clenched beneath the table at the mere thought of his name—the man who once seduced her with sweet lies only to shatter her completely. The man who destroyed her trust, her dreams, her very soul.

She hadn't come here merely to publish a book.

She had come to dismantle his legacy, one brick at a time.

The door burst open.

"I hope I haven't kept our star waiting," came a smooth, amused voice.

Rudra Roy.

Maya looked up—and something within her shifted.

He was nothing like MJ. He was younger, yes. But it wasn't just his age. There was no arrogance in his walk, no calculation in his smile. Instead, his eyes held unruly sincerity—untamed, raw, and alive.

Rudra's gaze swept the room, pausing when it met hers. He had heard of her: dark, mysterious, intense. But seeing her now, so composed, so quietly dangerous—it unsettled him in the most intriguing way.

"So, this is the woman making the country's youth fear heartbreak again," he teased, sliding into the seat across from her.

Maya didn't react. Her eyes locked onto his—not flirtatious, but probing, like she was peeling back layers to read the man beneath.

"I've read your work," Rudra added, leaning forward. "It's raw. Unfiltered. Almost... personal."

"It is personal," Maya said calmly. "Pain makes the best ink."

Their eyes lingered longer than they should have.

Weeks passed.

Maya and Rudra's collaboration deepened. Meetings turned into lingering conversations. Debates into flirtations. The friction between them was undeniable. They were fire and storm—circling, clashing, feeding off each other's energy.

Rudra didn't understand it—this pull he felt toward her. She was cold at times, distant. But behind her walls, he sensed a vulnerability that mirrored his own.

And Maya? She hated herself for feeling drawn to him. Every day she reminded herself—he is MJ's son. The man she vowed to destroy.

But Rudra was not his father. He didn't wear power as a mask. He didn't manipulate. He listened. He questioned. And slowly, he chipped at the walls she had spent a decade constructing.

One evening, after a successful press event for Maya's book, the two of them found themselves alone on the rooftop lounge of the hotel.

The city shimmered beneath them. The wind teased Maya's hair. She stood by the railing, arms crossed, gaze distant.

"You hate me, don't you?" Rudra asked gently, stepping beside her.

She didn't respond immediately.

"I don't hate you, Rudra," she said softly. "But... there's a reason I should."

He frowned. "What do you mean?"

Maya looked away. "You remind me of someone I should never have trusted."

A moment of silence.

Rudra stepped closer. "I don't want to be him."

"I know," she whispered. "And that's what makes this harder."

He reached out and brushed her hand. She didn't pull away.

Their fingers met in silence. For a moment, the world fell away.

"Maya..." Rudra said, lifting her chin.

She looked up—eyes glassy, lips parting slightly. He wiped away the tear that slid down her cheek with his thumb.

Their faces inched closer. Breath mingled. Hearts raced.

Just before their lips could meet—

Thunder cracked across the sky, jarring them both.

Maya pulled back, breath shaky.

"We shouldn't..." she whispered.

"But we already have," Rudra said, still inches away, eyes locked on hers.

Her silence spoke volumes.

As the rain began to fall—gentle, tentative—the truth settled between them:

They had fallen.

Into something deeper than desire.

Something more dangerous than love.

Something... beyhadh.

But inside Maya's eyes, another storm brewed.

Because Maya Jaisingh hadn't come into Rudra Roy's world unarmed.

She had come prepared.

She had chosen Ruan Publications for a reason. She smiled, played polite, spoke of fiction—but every word was laced with intent. Every interaction, a step in her design. She was not just publishing a book.

She was writing revenge.

Ten Years Ago – Maya's Past

Mritunjay Roy. The mentor. The seducer. The destroyer.

He had made her feel seen, loved, powerful. Until he turned her into a secret. Then a scapegoat. Then nothing. Her career, her family's name, her life—left in ruins. But she survived. Broken, yes. But burning.

Two Years Ago – Rudra's Past

Rudra had loved once. Her name was Ahaana—a free-spirited poet who made him believe in permanence. Until the day he saw her locked in a kiss with his own father.
He never spoke of it. Instead, he buried the betrayal beneath rebellion and etched his pain into his skin with ink. But the scar remained—hidden behind every smirk, lingering beneath every flirtation. That's why Maya pierced through him. Because with her, he couldn't pretend.

Back on the Rooftop

"I thought I buried the past," Maya murmured. "But with you, it claws back."

Rudra leaned closer. "Then bury it again—with me."

Her jaw tightened.

If only you knew, she thought bitterly.

Because she wasn't just watching him.

She was watching Rishi—Rudra's younger brother. Innocent. Loyal. Already half in love with the mysterious "Maya ma'am" from the corridors of Ruan Publications.

She hadn't even tried. He followed her like a moth to a flame.

Two sons.

One father.

And Maya—the fire that would burn through them all.

But Rudra's voice broke her thoughts, low and aching.

"I don't know what this is between us... but I can't ignore it anymore."

She turned fully toward him.

Her eyes—conflicted, glistening—locked onto his.

And then, like waves rushing in, their faces closed the distance once more.

Breathless. Reckless. Magnetic.

The first drop of rain kissed her cheek.

His lips hovered just a heartbeat away, Maya closed her eyes and surrendered.

--------

To be continued.

Chapter 2 (Shattered Secrets, Broken Hearts)

The night air had thickened with silence.

On the rooftop, drenched in moonlight, Rudra and Maya found themselves caught in a whirlwind of forbidden emotions. Their lips met, slow at first, then urgent—two souls aching for comfort, for connection, for escape. The kiss burned with a passion that neither had prepared for... nor fully understood.

But just as their breaths tangled and hearts pounded in reckless rhythm—
A flash from the past sliced through the moment like glass.

Rudra suddenly saw her—not Maya, but his first love, her betrayal flashing before his eyes.

And Maya—Maya was no longer in the arms of Rudra Roy. She was back there—ten years ago, in the grip of a man who taught her to trust, only to leave her in ruins. Her entire body stiffened, the kiss shattered. She pulled away with a gasp, trembling.

"Maya?" Rudra asked, confused and concerned.

She staggered backward, wrapping her arms around herself. Tears welled in her eyes, uninvited and uncontrollable. Rudra stepped forward, instinctively reaching out, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

But then—

The bracelet.

The rudraaksh beads of Rudra's wrist rolled downward, brushing against her skin.

And that was all it took.

A trigger. A scar reopened.

In a flash, Maya's expression changed—from broken to blazing. She slapped his hand away, and then, without warning, struck his face with a sharp, furious slap.

Rudra reeled back in shock.

"Keep that BRACELET of yours as far away from me!" she screamed, eyes wild with rage and pain.

Rudra froze, one hand on his stinging cheek, bewildered. He glanced down at his bracelet—the one his father had gifted him years ago.

"Maya—what—?"

She silenced him with a gesture. A single, trembling hand lifted in warning.

"That bracelet..." she whispered, voice shaking, "Wasn't it a gift? From your father... ten years ago?"

Rudra's breath hitched. He looked at her as if seeing her for the first time.

"You... you know about that?" he asked slowly, uneasily.

Maya let out a hollow laugh, then looked him dead in the eye. "Ten years ago... the man you call 'Dad'—Mritunjay Roy—destroyed me. Crushed every piece of me and called it love. And then... he passed on that lucky charm—that cursed bracelet—to his golden boy. To you."

Rudra felt the floor beneath him collapse. His hands trembled.

"What..." he said in a quivering voice, "What was your relationship with MJ, Maya?"

She didn't answer.

He stepped closer, gripping her shoulders, voice rising with disbelief and desperation.
"I asked you—what was your relationship with my father?!"

Tears broke free from Maya's eyes.

"I WAS HIS MISTRESS, RUDRA!"

The words echoed off the walls like gunshots.

Rudra's hands dropped.

His heart shattered.

He stepped back, lips parted, head shaking violently. "No... no... That's not the truth! That can't be the truth!!"

Maya moved forward. She gently pulled his hands from his ears, forcing him to hear.

"It is the truth, Rudra. That man—your father—was the one who taught me how to love... and then taught me how love can kill. He used me, discarded me... broke me."

She paused, her voice lowering to a bitter whisper.
"And because of him, I can never love again."

Rudra looked into her tear-filled eyes, and in that moment, Maya said the words that crushed whatever hope was left between them:

"You heard me right—I cannot fall in love. Not with you. Not with anyone. The only relationship I can ever have with you, Rudra... is one of hatred. Not love."

That was the final blow.

Rudra couldn't take it anymore.

Without a word, he turned and walked out of her house—straight into the storm outside.

Outside, on the rain-soaked street—

Rudra stumbled into the downpour, his heart screaming louder than the thunder above. Memories surged—Maya's touch, her kiss, the brief dream of belonging... and the betrayal. First by his old love. Then by Maya. And always—always—by Mritunjay Roy.

He looked up at the sky and shouted:

"WHY, Mritunjay Roy?! Why do you always come between me and LOVE?! WHY?!"

His voice echoed through the night, carried by the wind.

Inside, Maya collapsed to the floor, her body racked with sobs.

Hearing his cries through the rain, she rushed to the window.

There he was—Rudra, broken, yelling at the sky like a wounded lion. Her heart ached at the sight. Her own tears mingled with the rain outside.

A melancholic tune began to play in the background...

"Chaha tujhe din ne mere... toh saanson ne dhokha diya..."

Rudra glanced up at her window.

Their eyes met.

Maya quickly turned away, disappearing into the shadows.

Rudra stood there a moment longer, then turned and walked into the night—alone.

Maya stumbled toward the Mahavishnu idol in her home, collapsing at its feet in prayerful grief.

Rudra reached his room, soaked, defeated. He dropped onto his bed and shut his eyes tight, as if to escape the cruel truth.

The song faded... as both Rudra and Maya surrendered to the silence of heartbreak.

The Next Morning – Ruan Publications

Maya arrived early, her steps hesitant. Her eyes instinctively scanned the room—he wasn't there. Relief and guilt washed over her in equal measure.

Good, she thought. After what happened, I need to stay away from him. As far as possible.

But fate doesn't follow logic.

As she turned, she came face-to-face with the last person she wanted to see.

Rudra Roy.

He stood there, arms crossed, a cold smirk playing on his lips. His eyes held no warmth—only sharpness.

"Well, well..." he said, voice laced with sarcasm. "What happened, Miss Maya Jaisingh? The mysterious star writer who has the world at her feet... seems to be searching for someone today."

He stepped closer, voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
"Who's the lucky one?"

Maya straightened. "No one."

She turned to walk away, but his voice stopped her again.

"Funny. I was looking for you."

She paused.

"I have an announcement to make," he continued, stepping forward. "Rudra Roy, CEO of Ruan Publications... is getting engaged."

Maya's world tilted.

He stretched out his arm, and to her shock, Ananya walked in and placed her hand in his.

"I love you, Rudra!" Ananya beamed, hugging him tightly.

Maya stood frozen. Her lips parted. Her eyes glistened, but she held herself together.

Rudra stepped forward, holding a sweet from the box. He raised it to her lips and said with cruel calmness:

"Won't you congratulate your boss, Miss Maya Jaisingh?"

Their eyes locked—his sharp, hers shattered.

Behind them, the soft refrain of the song played again:

"Chaha tujhe din ne mere... toh saanson ne dhokha diya..."

----------

To be continued.

Chapter 3 (A Game of Hatred and Hearts)

Rudra gently held out the piece of sweet, placing it at the edge of Maya's lips. Unfazed, Maya calmly took it with her fingers and said in a composed tone,
"Congratulations and best wishes, Mr. Rudra Roy and Ms. Ananya, for a new beginning together."

Rudra smirked at her words, sensing the cold sarcasm behind her politeness, while Ananya looked on, visibly unsettled. Without another glance, Maya turned on her heel and exited the cabin.

As her silhouette disappeared, Rudra continued to stare at the door with a cold gleam in his eyes. The haunting strains of "Chaha Tujhe Din Ne Mere; Toh Saanso Ne Dhokha Diya..." filled the silence.

Once Maya was gone, Ananya turned to Rudra with frustration bubbling in her voice.
"What exactly are you trying to do, Rudra?" she demanded.

Her mind involuntarily drifted back to the events of that morning...

Flashback – That Morning at the Roy Mansion

Ananya had come to the Roys' house to get Rudra's signature on a few publishing documents. After exchanging pleasantries with Antara and Mritunjay, she made her way up to Rudra's room.

To her surprise, he was still in bed at 8 a.m. Frowning, she walked over to the windows and flung the curtains open.
"Uff ho, Rudra! It's 8 already! Why are you still sleeping?" she scolded light-heartedly.

But when she turned to him, her smile faded. His eyes were red and swollen. Concerned, she rushed to him, touched his forehead to check for fever, and gently cupped his face.
"What happened, Rudra? Why are your eyes like this?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

Without a word, Rudra pulled her into a tight embrace, his emotions bursting at the seams. Ananya froze, startled, and then pulled away slightly to look at him.

"Rudra, talk to me. What's going on?" she asked softly.

Rudra choked back his pain and whispered, "Anu... I realized today that I'm too unlucky to ever win in love."

Her heart sank. A tear escaped her eye as realization struck—Rudra was in love... with someone else.

Still holding back her tears, she asked gently, "Who is it, Rudra?"

He stayed silent.

Frustration rising, she snapped, "Rudra, I'm asking you! Who is the girl who broke your heart?"

Still, no answer. But in that silence, Ananya saw it—flashes of the growing closeness between Rudra and Maya over the past days. A wave of suspicion hit her.

"It's Maya... isn't it?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Rudra looked up, startled, locking eyes with her. That one look was enough for Ananya to know she was right.

Taking a deep breath, she asked, "What did she say?"

Again, silence.

Now desperate, Ananya demanded, "Rudra! What did she say that hurt you this badly?"

Rudra finally gave in, his voice trembling as memories of Maya's words played in his mind.
"She said... the only relationship she can ever have with me is one of hatred... not love."

Ananya was stunned. "But why? Why can't she love you?"

Rudra turned away, jaw clenched. The words "I was your father's mistress" echoed in his ears. His fists tightened, blood rushing through his veins as the image of his father and Maya's past engulfed him.

Ananya noticed the dark change on his face.
"What is it, Rudra? What's the reason?" she asked again.

Rudra shook his head and whispered, "The reason doesn't matter anymore. What matters now is the relationship I want to have with Maya."

Ananya was confused. "What do you mean?"

He turned to her, his voice like steel.
"I've decided—I'll give her back the same hatred she gave me."

Ananya's eyes widened. "Rudra..."

"I'll match her hatred, Ananya. I'll be strong. I'll gather the broken pieces of my heart, even if it kills me. But I'll never let her see me weak again," he said firmly.

Ananya's voice softened, but her resolve grew.
"Then let me help you."

Rudra blinked. "How?"

Ananya came closer, holding his hands.
"Marry me, Rudra."

He stared at her, stunned. "Are you out of your mind, Anu? Marriage isn't a solution to heartbreak!"

"But I am your solution!" she exclaimed. "I've always been there—for your pain, your silence, your joy. I've stood by you, Rudra, and I always will. Let me help you forget her. Let me help you move on. Marry me."

Rudra closed his eyes, but only one face appeared in his mind—Maya's. Her cold words, her wounded eyes, her kiss...

Then her final words echoed: "I can only have a relationship of hatred with you."

He opened his eyes and looked at Ananya, who stood before him, hopeful.

Slowly, he walked over, knelt down, and asked,
"Will you marry me, Anu?"

Ananya gasped, tears springing to her eyes. She pulled him to his feet and hugged him tightly.
"This is what I've been waiting for so long, Rudra. Yes! Of course I'll marry you."

Rudra's eyes remained blank.

Back to Present – Rudra's Cabin

Snapping back to the present, Ananya asked again, "What are you trying to do, Rudra? She said it clearly—"

Rudra cut her off. "Maintain an equal relationship with Maya."

Ananya blinked. "What?"

He turned to her, his voice like ice.
"Maya Jaisingh wants to maintain a relationship of hatred with me. So I'm doing exactly that. I'll give her hatred for hatred—nothing less."

Ananya stared at him, unsure whether to be relieved or afraid.

In the Washroom

Maya stood with her head submerged in a tub full of water. Her mind swirled with flashes—MJ's betrayal, her ruined life, the humiliation.

She pulled her head out, gasped for breath, and submerged it again—only to be met with the memory of Rudra's lips on hers.

Once more, she surfaced, trembling, and dipped again. This time, it wasn't MJ, but Rudra's engagement announcement that rang in her ears.

"Chaha Tujhe Din Ne Mere..." played in her mind like a cruel reminder.

Feeling suffocated, Maya pulled herself up, gasping.

She looked at herself in the mirror, eyes glistening, jaw clenched.
"No. No, I have no feelings for him. I will not let my heart interfere with my mission. Not this time. I will not fall weak."

She quickly wiped her face, composed herself, and stepped out.

Only to bump into someone—Rishi.

Startled, Maya looked up. Rishi gave her a sheepish smile.

Just then, Rudra emerged from his cabin and saw them. His fists clenched unconsciously, his eyes darkening as he watched his younger brother smile at Maya.

The game had just begun.

------

To be continued.

Chapter 4 (The War of Words and Wounds)

Maya and Rishi accidentally bumped foreheads as they turned the same corner.
"Ouch!" Rishi exclaimed, laughing. "Wow, baby! Getting hit on the head by you is the best kind of pain!"

Maya rubbed her forehead with irritation, clearly not enjoying the moment as much as he did.

Across the corridor, Rudra emerged from his cabin just in time to witness the interaction. His eyes darkened as he clenched his fists, watching the casual proximity between the two.

Still grinning, Rishi added, "It's probably good luck, right?"

Maya, noticing Rudra watching them intently, gave a sly smile and said, "Actually, it's considered bad luck to bang heads just once. So to ward it off..." she leaned forward, "...we should do it again."

Without hesitation, Rishi beamed and brought his head forward. Their foreheads touched gently once more.

Rudra had seen enough.

Storming toward them, his voice cut through the air like glass.
"What are you doing here, Rishi? Don't you know interns are expected to actually work? You could get fired for slacking off."

Rishi straightened up immediately, caught off guard. "Bhai, I—"

But Rudra raised a hand to silence him.
"And for the record," he said coldly, "our star writer, Ms. Maya Jaisingh, isn't too fond of men getting cozy with her. So for your own good, keep your distance. Wouldn't want you getting hurt."

He turned sharply and began walking away.

Maya's eyes flicked toward Rishi. She smirked, then called out loud enough for Rudra to hear:
"It's true—I don't like men getting too cozy with me. But I must admit... I find Rishi rather interesting."

Rudra froze mid-step, his back still to her, his jaw tightening.

He turned slowly to face her, eyes locked. "Is there a category you've created, Maya? One for men you dislike, and another for those you... find interesting?"

Maya met his gaze head-on. "And if I have—does that bother you, Mr. Roy?"

Before Rudra could answer, Ananya approached, stopping short when she noticed the intense eye contact between them.

Her voice cut through the tension. "He doesn't have a problem with anyone. He's just... overprotective of the company."

Maya's gaze shifted briefly to Ananya, then back to Rudra. "If that's the case," she said coolly, "as I mentioned before, I don't need anyone teaching me how to sell my books. My writing speaks for itself. And Mr. Rudra Roy, my work will be the only proof you need of my dedication."

Rudra's eyes darkened at her words. The storm inside him roared beneath the surface.
"Chaha Tujhe Din Ne Mere; Toh Saanso Ne Dhokha Diya..." began to echo in the background.

Trying to divert the brewing storm, Ananya quickly said, "Rudra, I think we need to discuss our engagement—"

Without even looking at her, Rudra replied coldly, "Which is happening this evening."

A stunned silence followed.

Maya blinked, the words hitting her like a blow to the chest. She stood motionless, trying not to let the pain show. Even Rishi looked surprised. Ananya's face lit up in disbelief.

Rudra turned to face Ananya and softened his tone. "Yes, Anu. Why wait? We're going to get engaged—so let it be tonight."

Ananya opened her mouth to object, but Rudra came closer, holding her hand. Maya looked away sharply, trying to mask her agony.

"Don't worry about my family. I'll speak to Ma, Dadi, Diya Aunty... and your favorite MJ Uncle," he said, then glanced sharply at Maya from the corner of his eyes, "...after all, he's quite the heartthrob among women."

Both Ananya and Rishi frowned, puzzled by his tone, but Rudra ignored them and continued, "I'm sure MJ will be thrilled—for your happiness, Anu."

Ananya nodded with a teary smile. Rudra kept watching Maya from the corner of his eye.

He then extended his hand dramatically to Ananya. "So... are you ready to become Mrs. Rudra Roy?"

Maya's breath caught in her throat. Her eyes began to sting, but she willed herself not to blink. Not now.

Ananya beamed through her tears and threw her arms around Rudra. "Yes! Of course, I will!"

Maya stood rooted, her mouth parted slightly in disbelief, her hands trembling by her sides.
"Chaha Tujhe Din Ne Mere..." continued to haunt her ears.

Rudra, still holding Ananya's hand, turned to address the staff gathered in the corridor.

"For everyone's kind attention—" he declared. "I, Rudra Mritunjay Roy, CEO of Ruan Publications, am getting engaged today to the company's co-owner, Ms. Ananya Khanna!"

A wave of polite applause followed.

Maya clenched her fists tightly behind her back.

Rudra wasn't finished.

"You're all cordially invited to the engagement party at my residence this evening," he added with a smirk. Then turning deliberately to Maya, he asked, "So, Ms. Maya Jaisingh—will you be attending your boss's engagement?"

Maya stared at him, her expression stone cold.

Closing her eyes briefly, she took a deep breath and replied with calm precision,
"Of course. Why wouldn't I? You are my boss, after all."

Rudra grinned and leaned in slightly. "Wonderful. Then I'll see you at the party."

He walked away with Ananya beside him.

The staff dispersed slowly. Maya remained where she was, trying to steady her breath.

Just then, Rishi appeared beside her, grinning from ear to ear. "Wow, baby! You really are lucky for my life. Ever since you entered, Bhai's changed his views on love and marriage. I guess now it's my turn!"

Maya didn't react.

He leaned in and asked excitedly, "So what do you think? Should I talk to Dad about you?"

Still expressionless, Maya turned slowly to face him and said,
"Yes."

Rishi's jaw dropped.

Maya continued in the same calm tone, "I think it's time you let your whole family know... that you're in a relationship with Ms. Maya Jaisingh."

Rishi blinked in stunned silence—unsure whether to feel overjoyed or terrified.

------

To be continued.

Chapter 5 (The Calm Before Her Storm)

Rishi stood frozen, his voice barely a whisper. "What... What did you just say?"

Maya turned slowly to face him, a glint of mischief hiding behind her poised smile. She walked up to him, leaned in, and said softly, "Exactly what you heard, baby. How long do you think we can hide our relationship from your family? Tonight, when your brother gets engaged, why shouldn't we take a step forward too?"

Rishi's eyes widened with visible anxiety. Just as he was about to speak, a young intern from Ruan Publications interrupted, bubbling with excitement.

"Excuse me, Ma'am. I've been working here for the past month and a half, and everyone talks about the mysterious writer in black. But today was the first time I heard your name—Maya Jaisingh. Since then, I've been in awe! I just wanted a selfie with you, ma'am."

Without waiting for permission, the intern pulled out her phone.

Rishi raised his hand to stop her, but before he could react, Maya snatched the phone and flung it onto the floor with full force. It shattered into jagged pieces. The intern gasped, petrified.

Maya's voice thundered through the silence, "Maya Jaisingh is mystery. And she doesn't like her mystery being exposed. Next time, ask for my permission before pointing a lens at me!"

The intern trembled, nodding, eyes downcast. Rishi quickly stepped in, trying to pacify her. Gently holding Maya by the shoulders, he whispered, "Come on, baby. Let's leave this and get a coffee. Just you and me."

Maya's fierce expression softened instantly. She turned to Rishi with a serene smile and nodded. Rishi, surprised by the sudden change, led her away, while Maya's eyes burned with silent calculation.

"I need to play this game smart," she thought. "Because Rishi... is my key into the Roy Mansion."

At Ruan Publications Café

Rishi leaned forward over the table, clearly disturbed. "What was that back there, Maya? Why were you so harsh with the intern? Okay, I get it—you want to protect your privacy. But then how can you be okay with revealing our relationship to my family tonight?"

Maya gently took his hands in hers, her voice calm but deliberate. "Baby, some things unfold when the time is right. I may not be ready to reveal myself to the world... but tonight, when your family knows about us, there won't be any more boundaries. Once I'm part of the Roy family, my identity won't matter anymore."

Rishi chuckled, comforted by her explanation. "Ooooh! Got it!"

But behind Maya's reassuring gaze was something else entirely.

"Yes, MJ. Tonight won't just be the celebration of your son's engagement—it'll be the beginning of your downfall. Because tonight, Maya Jaisingh returns to your life."

Maya leaned in. "Now listen carefully, Rishi. Here's what I need you to do this evening..."

As she began outlining her plan, Rishi's expression turned pale. He looked panicked. "But Maya... this is—"

Before he could finish, Rudra walked by the café, halting abruptly at the sight of Maya and Rishi sitting close, holding hands.

His voice was firm. "I'd like a private word with our star writer. Ms. Jaisingh, will you come to my cabin?"

Maya stood up calmly, pulling her hand away from Rishi's grip. "Remember what I said, Rishi," she whispered with a cold edge. "If you don't do this... forget me forever." Then, without another word, she turned, smirking, "You won't go against me, Rishi. Not when I matter too much to you."

Inside Rudra's Cabin

Maya knocked softly. "May I come in, Mr. Rudra Roy?"

His back turned, Rudra responded dryly, "Since when did you start asking permission? But yes, come in."

Maya walked in slowly, composed. "What's the matter?"

Rudra turned, eyes blazing. "What's the matter? I just saw you holding hands with my brother in the café!"

Maya raised a brow and smirked. "So what? Is Mr. Rudra Roy... jealous?"

Rudra's voice rose. "Jealous? My foot! I just can't stand anyone using Rishi or hurting him. Whatever happened between you and—" He stopped himself, jaw clenching. "Whatever happened between you and Mritunjay Roy, keep it away from my brother. Don't drag my family into your mess!"

Maya's expression sharpened. "How interesting. A man who can't control his own limits is now asking me to respect mine?"

Rudra looked at her, confused.

She clapped slowly. "Let me remind you of the clause you made me sign—about hiding my identity. Yet today, in front of the entire staff, you revealed that Maya Jaisingh is your writer."

Rudra's jaw tightened. "Why should I keep my promise to someone who doesn't keep hers?"

Maya frowned. "And what promise have I broken?"

"You said you don't like men getting too close. But clearly, that rule doesn't apply to Rishi," he snapped.

Maya walked up to him, her voice low. "You're right. I don't like being close to men. But you... you also don't seem to like me being close to anyone else, do you?"

Rudra glared at her, speechless.

Maya smiled sweetly. "Anyway, today's a big day for you. I'm glad you started it by revealing the truth about me. After all..." she stepped close, whispering in his ear, "Truth doesn't stay buried for long, Rudra Roy."

With that, she turned and walked out, leaving Rudra simmering in silence.

Evening – Roy Mansion, Engagement Party

Guests in glittering attire milled around, laughter and camera flashes filling the air. Ananya's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sudhir Dutt, arrived with proud smiles. Soon, Rudra and Ananya were ushered to the center, where Mritunjay Roy stepped up with the mic.

But before MJ could speak, Rishi stepped forward and grabbed the mic.

"I have something to say."

The crowd hushed.

"I know we're here to celebrate my brother's engagement. But before that, I want to introduce someone very special—my future life partner."

Suddenly, the lights went out. A single spotlight illuminated the upper floor.

Maya.

She stood poised at the top of the staircase, her silhouette casting a powerful shadow.

As she slowly descended, the lights returned—and gasps filled the room.

All eyes turned to the woman who had just entered the Roy household... not as a guest.

But as a storm.

--------

To be continued