HIS OBSESSION | 18+

Author P.O.V

The car glided through the narrow streets of Varanasi, its headlights cutting through the dim glow of flickering streetlights. Rudra sat in the backseat, his fingers tapping rhythmically on his knee—a restless beat that mirrored the storm brewing in his mind.

Marriage. Of all the traps his father could have set, this one was the most suffocating. He stared out of the window, the faint sound of temple bells ringing in the background—a cruel reminder of the gods he resented and the city he had vowed never to set foot in again. But fate had dragged him back, pulling at the memories of the night which he tried to forget.

That night.

The night he’d seen her.

For a brief, maddening moment, she had shattered the quiet numbness that had defined his existence, making his dead heart stutter and race. He had buried the memory deep, locked it away where it couldn’t haunt him, yet now, here he was—back in the same city, the same streets that led to the temple where she had stood, bathed in soft moonlight, looking like a secret meant only for him.

Rudra clenched his fists, grinding his teeth as if doing so could push her image out of his mind.

“Am I the only one who feels this wedding might be a trap?” Keshav asked, turning slightly in his seat to look at Rudra.

Rudra didn’t answer, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery.

Keshav pressed on. “Sir, I just want to say—there’s something off about this. It feels too… calculated.”

“And what exactly are you implying smart pants?” Abhinav cut in, folding his arms as he sat beside Rudra. His tone was laced with sarcasm. “That Rudra’s enemies are plotting to stop him with a girl? That’s your master theory, genius?”

“I’m saying it could be linked to the project, who knows?” Keshav replied, unfazed. “It’s no secret how powerful boss will become if the project succeeds. Plenty of people don’t want that.”

Rudra shook his head slightly, dismissing the conversation, but Abhinav wasn’t done.

“You think they’re going to use a girl to manipulate him? This is Rudra we’re talking about,” Abhinav said, gesturing at Rudra. “The man doesn’t even believe in God; do you think a woman can trap him?”

“Still…” Keshav began, but Abhinav waved him off.

“Relax, Smart-head. Stop worrying too much and enjoy the wedding!” Abhinav exclaimed, his grin growing wider. He nudged Rudra playfully.

The glare Rudra shot him could have silenced anyone else, but not Abhinav.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Keshav muttered, seeing Abhinav’s hand hover near Rudra’s shoulder again.Abhinav sighed dramatically but leaned back in his seat.

The ride continued, and Abhinav couldn’t contain his excitement about the wedding. He kept talking, oblivious to the death stares Rudra sent his way.

“I’m really excited!” Abhinav nearly squealed this time, earning an eye roll from Keshav, who was seated up front.

“For the hundredth time, would you just SHUT UP before you get thrown out of the car?” Keshav hissed, trying to keep Rudra from snapping.

Abhinav, unfazed, waved him off with a casual gesture.

“Anyway, isn’t this supposed to be the baraat?”(baraat- a tradition in Indian weddings that symbolizes the groom's journey to the bride)

“Technically, yes,” Keshav replied.