The other day, the grand reception took place. Many guests attended—most of them were business partners and close friends of the family. The exhaustion of the evening weighed on everyone, and by the next morning, the Rajput mansion slowly came alive as everyone prepared to resume their usual routines.

At the long dining table, the family sat together when the couple finally arrived for breakfast. Conversations died down as a breaking headline caught everyone’s attention.

Breaking News

“**23 unidentified men were found dead in Delhi two days ago, their heads and hearts missing. In a shocking development, Karnataka police have now recovered 2–3 severed heads near an abandoned 150-year-old fort by the Trivandrum Bridge. Forensic analysis confirms the DNA matches the victims from Delhi.

Investigators remain puzzled by the brutality of the case. Early speculation suggests a possible political conspiracy or business rivalry, but the missing hearts raise deeper questions. Who is behind these killings? What is the motive—and why take the hearts?**”

---

Everyone at the table stared at the screen in horror. Gasps filled the room. The shocking details had left everyone stunned—everyone, except Shashi.

She sat calmly, sipping her morning coffee. With each sip, her lips curved into the faintest smile.

Saarthak was the first to notice.

“Why are you smiling, Shashi?” he asked, frowning.

Shashi shook her head, but her smile only widened.

Everyone exchanged confused glances. It was rare to see her smile like this—wide, unrestrained, almost proud.

Aparna finally broke the silence.

“It doesn’t seem like everything is alright.”

Shashi set her cup down and said simply,

“The news.”

Her cryptic answer only deepened the confusion.

“What’s so special about this news?” someone asked.

Only if they knew.

Shashi leaned back in her chair, her eyes glinting. “It’s done by Didu.”

Akriti choked on her drink. “What?” she exclaimed.

“How do you know?” Saarthak pressed, his tone sharp.

Shashi’s lips curved into a smirk. “The hearts are still missing… and only Laksha Oberoi likes to keep something memorable from each kill.” Her voice dripped with pride.

Her eyes sparkled with a dangerous twinkle, and for the first time, the Rajputs realized the depth of her connection to her sister.

They had always known Laksha was part of the underworld—a shadowy figure in the mafia world. But India? That was new. She was feared as the Japanese Mafia Queen, and her operations had never touched Indian soil.

“Thank God she didn’t do anything in our city,” Shashi added with a sly smile. “Otherwise there would’ve been a curfew today.”

She placed her empty coffee cup down, stood up, and stretched casually. “Anyway, leave all this. I’m getting late. I should go. Bye.”

“Beta, breakfast?” Aparna asked.

“It’s fine, I’ll skip. I have a habit,” Shashi replied dismissively.

But Aparna’s voice softened, firm yet motherly. “You are not going anywhere without breakfast.”

Shashi froze for a moment, blinking rapidly to compose herself. She wasn’t used to hearing such care—not directed at her.

She managed a small smile. “Ma’am, it’s fine. I have a habit.”

Aparna’s eyes softened further. She touched Shashi’s cheek gently.

“Not ma’am, beta. Call me anything else—Mom, Mamma, Maa, Ammi, Amma, Mummy… but never ma’am. There’s no force, but at least try.”

Shashi’s throat tightened, but she only nodded silently before leaving the room.

---

✨ Evening

By the time everyone returned home from work, Shashi was still missing. Aakash had tried calling her several times, but her phone was switched off. Saarthak’s worry matched his, and soon the entire house grew restless.

An hour later, the sound of footsteps echoed at the entrance. Shashi walked in, visibly drained, her shoulders heavy with fatigue.

In the living room, Saarthak was yelling at the guards, his voice sharp with rage.

“Are you appointed here to enjoy yourselves? Don’t you know who she is? What if something had happened? What the f—”

He stopped mid-sentence as everyone turned to see Shashi standing there, her expression blank but her presence commanding.

“What’s happening? Is everything alright?” she asked casually.

Before anyone could answer, Akriti rushed to her, wrapping her in a tight hug.

“Thank God you’re safe,” she whispered, relief flooding her voice.

Shashi blinked, confused. “Safe? I just came home late.”

Saarthak’s voice softened now. “Go freshen up, Shashi. We’ll have dinner together.”

She nodded quietly and went upstairs. After a quick shower, she returned, and the family shared a peaceful meal together.

---

✨ Later in Their Room

Shashi sat on the bed, laptop balanced on her lap, glasses perched on her nose. Headphones on, fingers flying across the keyboard, she was completely immersed in her work.

From the couch, Aakash watched her silently. His gaze lingered on the messy bun held together with a pen, on her long lashes shadowing her sharp eyes, on the way her lips curved slightly as she focused.

This messy bun of yours… the way your pen holds it together… your petal-soft lips… your long lashes… uff, wifey. What have you done to me? he thought. You turned this arrogant jerk into a puppy. Your smell has become my oxygen in just three days. Baby, your skin glows like moonlight. You are my magician.

Shashi finally closed her laptop, cleared the bed, and slipped into the washroom. After her usual skincare—moisturizer, lip balm—she returned in her oversized t-shirt and trousers, hair damp from her shower. She finished her glass of warm milk and placed it aside.

“Listen,” she said suddenly. “Did I kick or slap you last night?”

Aakash looked up, amused. “I slept on the couch.”

“Why? It’s a contract marriage, not exile. You haven’t lost your rights. If you’re uncomfortable, ask me. I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“NO,” he said firmly. “Aap kabhi bhi couch par nahi so sakte. [You can never sleep on the couch.]”

“Then why did you?” she countered. “Have you seen yourself? You’re so tall—how did you even fit on that couch?”

He chuckled. “Fine. Let’s sleep on the bed.”

“Good. But if I kick or slap you, just wake me up,” she warned with a smirk.

They both lay down, each on their side. Aakash reached for the light switch, but stopped. He remembered her words from their first night—she always slept with the lights on. Smiling softly, he left the light glowing and returned to his pillow.

“Good…” he began, only to see her already fast asleep.

Then, something unexpected happened. Her hand slid over his. His eyes widened slightly as he felt her soft, small palm against his rough, strong one. She shifted unconsciously, intertwining their fingers.

His heart thundered. In that fragile, unspoken moment, butterflies exploded in his chest. There was nothing more intimate, more grounding, than holding her hand.

You look like a cute little baby, mi alma, he thought, his heart swelling.

I never imagined I’d feel butterflies in my entire life. But you—just by existing near me—you make me feel them. Don’t do this to me, baby. Please.

________________________________

💌 Author’s Note

Hey lovelies!

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter.

She’s the sister of a mafia queen… but do you think Shashi herself carries that same fire in her veins? 👀

Do comment, vote, and let me know your thoughts! 💖

You all have the authority to pinpoint my mistakes.