Chapter 1: The Beginning of That Night
Raindrops were tapping against the windowpane, as if old memories were knocking at the door. In this new Mumbai apartment, the boxes had only just been unpacked. Cardboard cartons still lay open, some books scattered on the floor, and in the middle, a small table lamp cast a soft yellow glow, making everything feel gentle, almost dreamlike.
Arjun Mehra stood by the window. The sleeves of his white shirt were rolled up, collar open. He held a glass of water in his hand, but he wasn’t drinking—just swirling it slowly, as though the answer to something was hidden inside. The sound of the rain outside echoed in the room, and the silence inside felt even heavier.
Priya Sharma—now Priya Arjun Mehra—leaned against the bedroom doorway. She wore a black silk camisole that had slipped slightly off one shoulder. Her hair was open, still damp from a recent shower, glistening faintly. She watched Arjun—his back, the width of his shoulders, and that slight forward tilt of his posture that always told her he was thinking deeply.
“What are you thinking about?” Priya asked, her voice carrying a touch of mischief and a lot of love.
Arjun turned. His eyes looked tired at first, then softened the moment they met hers. “Just… this new city. New home. New life. Everything is changing so fast.”
Priya laughed softly. “You always think like this. As if everything will end by tomorrow morning.” She walked toward him slowly. Her steps held that confidence that had always drawn Arjun in—the boldness he could never quite master.
She stopped right in front of him, so close that he could feel her breath on his neck. “Tonight we’re only here. No office, no job hunt, no old memories. Just you and me.”
Arjun set the glass down on the side table. His hand moved to her waist—slowly, almost hesitantly. “You know… sometimes I wonder… am I enough for you?”
Priya’s eyebrows rose. “Enough?” She placed her hand on his cheek. “Arjun… you’re everything to me. But sometimes I feel like you underestimate yourself too much.”
Arjun gave a small smile, though the insecurity still lingered in his eyes. “Maybe. But tonight… I’ll try.”
Priya looked into his eyes. Then she leaned in and kissed him softly—gentle, testing. Arjun responded, hesitant at first, then deeper. The kiss stretched on. The rain became mere background noise.
Priya pulled back slightly, breathing faster. “Come… let’s try something different tonight.” That familiar playful tone in her voice always excited him.
“What?” Arjun asked, a little nervous.
Priya opened the bedside drawer and pulled out a black silk scarf—the one her mother had given her on their wedding day. “Remember? I told you… one day I’ll use it.”
Arjun’s breath caught. “Priya…”
“Trust me?” she asked, eyes full of challenge.
Arjun nodded slowly. “Yes.”
She gently pushed him onto the bed. Arjun lay back. Priya climbed over him. She tied the scarf over his eyes—slowly, letting the darkness come gradually. Then she guided both his hands above his head and loosely but firmly secured them.
Now Arjun was in darkness. Only touch. Only Priya’s breath. Only her scent.
She whispered in his ear, “Now you’re completely mine.”
Arjun’s breathing quickened. “Priya…”
She stayed silent for a moment. Then kissed his neck. Slowly moved lower. Unbuttoned his shirt. Kissed his chest. Arjun’s body trembled slightly. Her fingers trailed down to his waist, opened his belt, slid his pants off.
Now he was only in his underwear. Priya leaned over him again, lips brushing his stomach, then lower still. Arjun let out a soft sound.
“Shhh…” Priya whispered. “There’s still so much more.”
She stood up, slipped off her camisole, then the rest, until nothing remained. In the soft light filtering through the rain, her silhouette looked graceful and alive.
She returned to him. Touching him slowly, teasing gently with fingers and lips. Arjun’s body responded, arching slightly even though he was restrained.
She leaned close to his ear again. “Tell me… what do you want?”
His voice trembled. “You… completely.”
Priya smiled, a soft, intimate laugh. “Then you’ll have me.”
She moved over him carefully. They came together slowly, finding a rhythm—gentle at first, then deeper. The rain outside seemed to match their pace. The room filled only with their breaths, soft sounds, and the steady drumming of water.
After some time—minutes or maybe longer—they lay exhausted, tangled together. Priya untied the scarf. Arjun’s eyes were red-rimmed but shining.
“How was it?” Priya asked, resting her head on his chest.
Arjun pulled her close. “Like… I’ve lived for the first time.”
Priya smiled. “A new life starts now. Tomorrow we begin the job hunt. This city is huge.”
Arjun nodded. “Yes. But tonight… just us.”
They fell quiet. The rain continued, but it no longer felt threatening. It felt comforting.
The next morning arrived quietly.
Priya was in the kitchen making tea when Arjun’s phone buzzed on the counter. He glanced at the screen and froze.
The message was from an unknown number.
“Congratulations on the new flat, Arjun Mehra. Hope Priya is enjoying her ‘single’ status too. We know more than you think. Talk soon.”
Arjun stared at the words, heart suddenly loud in his chest.
Outside, the rain had stopped.
But something much heavier was just beginning.
Who send this message to Arjun? Is anybody following Arjun personal life? What will Arjun do for his safety?
We will find in next chapter.