MY CRUEL LOVE
A Taste Of Power : A Bite Of Humiliation
Last night, Maya had no choice but to accept Armaan's help—for her father's sake. But dignity doesn't come easy in the Shahriar mansion.
Next Morning.
7:00 AM-Maya was fast asleep in Ruby's room. Ruby had been up for a while now, but Maya was still wrapped in the peace of deep sleep—until a splash of cold water hit her square in the face.
She jolted upright, gasping."Oh my God! Is there a flood?
Armaan stood over her, clearly irritated. "Will you relax? Stop screaming.
Still dripping and bewildered, Maya blinked."What is wrong with you?! Why would you do that?
"You weren't brought here to sleep in," he said sharply. "Who's going to make my breakfast?
She groaned. "You could've just asked like a human being. Was the water really necessary?
"I'm not your servant," he snapped. "Do your job.
He turned and walked out. Maya muttered under her breath as she wiped her face with a pillow.
A moment later, Ruby walked in and froze at the sight of her soaked friend. "What the heck happened to you?
Maya shot her a look. "Your precious Mr. Shahriar thinks waterboarding is a charming wake-up call.
Still fuming, she stomped off to the bathroom. Ruby blinked, trying to make sense of what had just happened. Then she sighed and began drying the wet bed.
When Maya returned, she asked for fresh clothes. She had slept in Ruby's outfit, which was now drenched. Ruby handed her a new set, and Maya changed quickly.
Later, Ruby guided Maya to the kitchen to prep Armaan's breakfast. Maya had learned what he usually liked and got to work. Thankfully, she was a good cook, and things went smoothly.
8:00 AM — Armaan came downstairs just as Maya was finishing up. Most of the household staff were off-duty since the family was traveling. Only the two full-time chefs remained, cooking for Armaan, Abir, and Ruby.
Ruby, though technically part of the household, always ate alone in her room. She insisted she was just the help and didn't belong at the family table, no matter how kindly they treated her.
The rest of the staff stayed in the servant quarters behind the mansion, with their own kitchen and dining area.
Maya carried one dish after another to the table while Armaan sat silently, watching her with an unreadable expression. Realizing how loosely her robe was tied—too revealing by her standards—she quickly tightened it—one he tried to shake off. She's my ex-wife. I'm with Maisha now. What the hell am I doing?
A chair scraped beside him. Armaan turned—it was Abir.
"Ruby, can you grab me some food too?" Abir said casually.
Ruby muttered under her breath,"Sure, I'm a personal assistant, not a waitress, but whatever." Still, she didn't argue and went to fetch it.
Maya suddenly realized her head wasn't covered. Embarrassed, she tightened the robe's sash and quickly adjusted her hair.
As Abir began eating, he looked up."Maya, sit. Eat with us.
Armaan's voice cut through sharply."She's not a guest. She's staff. Staff don't sit at the table.
Maya froze. The words landed like a slap. She lowered her eyes, trying not to cry. Her father had raised her with dignity. She wasn't used to being treated like this.
She forced a small smile."It's okay, Abir. You eat. I'll grab something later. I'm just the help now, remember?
She turned away, holding back tears. Abir's appetite vanished. He stood up, clearly upset. But Maya didn't meet his eyes—afraid that if she spoke, she'd completely break down.
Armaan kept eating, unfazed.
Abir left soon after. He had promised someone he'd look after Maya. But after Armaan had made him deliver the divorce papers and disappear on a business trip, this was the first time he'd seen her. Something felt off. He needed to dig deeper.
Later that morning, Maya stood outside Armaan's room, hesitating. Her father's hospital had called. Chemotherapy was starting, and they needed a payment.
She knocked.
"Come in," Armaan called.
He was dressed for work, laptop on his lap.
"I need to step out," Maya said quietly."I have to visit my dad.
"You're not allowed to leave," he replied without looking up. "I said no going anywhere for a month.
"He's sick. He has no one else. You know that.
Armaan let out a mocking chuckle."Oh, so you do still have a dad? Strange, considering how easily you left him alone that night.
Maya's voice hardened."I don't owe you an explanation. You'll be at the office anyway. I'll cook, drop your lunch, and come back.
"Fine," he said."But I want my lunch at the office by 1 PM. Cook it yourself.
"I will," she said. Then paused. "Also. could I get a small advance? The hospital needs payment.
He didn't respond. Just pulled open a drawer, signed a check, and handed it to her—a check for $50,000।
Maya glanced at it."Thank you, Mr. Shahriar. I'll go now.
"Be on time with lunch. I hate waiting."
She nodded and left. Armaan watched her go, the corner of his mouth twitching.
Maya went to the bank to cash the check, then to the hospital. The doctor confirmed chemo had begun, and she paid a week's fees. After spending a little time with her father, she returned home to prepare lunch.
She'd asked Ruby about Armaan's preferences earlier—simple rice and curry. Maya added her own special touch, whether he noticed or not.
By noon, everything was ready. After a quick shower, she packed the lunch and headed to his office.
The building was massive and sleek. Maya paid the rickshaw driver — a small three-wheeled taxi — and walked inside with the lunch bag.
At the reception, a young woman looked her over.
"Can I help you?" she asked, eyebrows raised.
"I've brought lunch for Mr. Armaan Shahriar," Maya said politely.
The receptionist smirked. "You're not the first. He doesn't eat food from. outsiders. His driver brings his meals.
Maya's heart sank. But she stood her ground.
"I brought this from his house. The driver didn't come today. He knows me. Either tell him or show me where to go.
The receptionist narrowed her eyes."Who exactly are you to him?
Maya hesitated."Why does that matter? If you won't help, I'll find his office myself.
She turned to leave, but the receptionist grabbed her wrist."Wow, you've got guts. Girls like you show up all the time, pretending to know him. He's in an important meeting. No interruptions. If you really know him, call him. Otherwise, leave.
Maya didn't have his number. She quickly called Ruby.
"Ruby! Please send me Abir's number. The receptionist won't let me through.
Ruby agreed and sent it over. Maya called Abir. No answer. She called again.
Inside Armaan's office, Abir saw the call. Armaan glared, but their foreign client said, "Take it. Might be urgent.
Abir stepped aside.
"Maya?
"I'm here with lunch, but they won't let me in!
"I've got it.
He hung up and called the receptionist.
"Let her in. Now. Quietly. If this meeting gets messed up, it's your job.
The receptionist rushed out, apologizing. She escorted Maya to the top floor and begged her not to complain.
Maya knocked. Abir opened the door and led her in. All eyes turned to her: Armaan, Abir, the head designer, their foreign client Mr. Daniel, and his assistant.
"She's my housemaid," Armaan said flatly. "She brought my lunch.
He turned to Maya."Just leave it on the table.
She placed the box on the lounge table, then glanced at the screen where designs were being reviewed. Mr. Daniel looked unimpressed.
One design—a traditional sari (a draped South Asian garment)—was on display. Maya hesitated.
"If I may,"she said softly, "I'd like to offer a suggestion.
Armaan's eyes narrowed."This isn't your kitchen. Stay out of it.
She lowered her head, embarrassed.
But Mr. Daniel spoke up: "I'd like to hear what she has to say, Mr. Shahriar.
To Be continued