My Cruel Love.
Previously on.
Maya's rage took over—she bit Arman in a shocking moment of defiance. Regret followed quickly, and so did confusion. As emotions ran high and blood was drawn, a deeper memory stirred in Arman's heart: could Maya be. Maisha?
Meanwhile, Daniel's attention toward Maya pushed Arman closer to a breaking point. And now, only two days remain before the truth will be uncovered.
-Arman's eyes stayed locked on Maya's face—steady, unblinking. That face. the same features, the same delicate tremble in her expression, the same soft breathing.
No.
A strange tremor stirred inside him. He didn't want to think. Couldn't.
This Maya—she couldn't be his Maisha. It wasn't possible. It just couldn't be.
And yet. his heart didn't obey logic.
He didn't avert his gaze. Instead, he silently listened to the voice within:
Just two more days.
That's what Virat had said. Today, and tomorrow. Within these two days, he would find her—his little savior, his Maisha.
Virat had promised to deliver her to him.
The very girl who had once pulled him out of darkness. His little mystery.
Arman exhaled deeply. Maya's reflection still lingered in his eyes, but in the depths of his heart, a quiet confusion brewed—one logic couldn't wipe away.
"It's done. Let's go," Maya said, her voice calm and measured.
That short sentence snapped Arman out of his internal whirlwind. Blinking, he looked at her—her expression neutral but firm.
He said nothing. Just reminded himself again:
Two more days. That's all.
And then. he would know. He would find the truth. He would find his Maisha.
By then, Maya had already started walking toward the door. There was no urgency in her steps, but something about the way she moved felt lighter—like she had finally dropped a burden she had carried too long.
Arman didn't think anymore. His mind fell into an odd stillness, and his feet followed her automatically. Quiet. Detached. But something deep inside him knew—they were walking into something irreversible.
As Maya opened the door of the meeting room, someone almost stumbled in from the other side. The man fumbled but caught himself just in time.
Startled, Maya gasped and stepped back—right into Arman's chest. Her body hit his firmly, and she instinctively jerked forward again. Flustered, she turned to Arman and murmured,
"Sorry."
Arman just stared at her—still oddly unreadable.
But Maya's attention snapped forward again when she heard laughter. Abir was standing in front of them, grinning from ear to ear.
"Seriously, brother?" Maya frowned.
"Why are you always like this?"
(Though not related by blood, Maya and Abir had always called each other "brother" and "sister.)
Abir chuckled.
"Sooo sorry! I was actually coming to get you both. Guess we just opened the door at the same time. Total accident!"
Except—it wasn't.
Abir had been there for a while. Eavesdropping, ear pressed to the door, trying to figure out what was happening inside. He had panicked when Maya opened it and barely avoided falling flat on his face.
Today, there was a special celebration at Arman's office. With the deal finalized, a lunch was arranged for all employees. A private dining room had been set up for those present at the meeting.
Arman and Abir entered first. Maya followed behind them slowly. In the center of the room was a long dining table, filled with an extravagant spread of dishes. Most guests were already seated, just waiting for Arman and Maya to arrive.
The moment Maya stepped inside, everyone's eyes turned to her. She stiffened under the sudden attention. Even Arman noticed, frowning—why was everyone staring at her?
He didn't understand at first.
Arman took the head seat silently. The hand Maya had bitten—he kept hidden in his pocket. Not because he cared if others noticed, but because he didn't want Maya to feel cornered or exposed.
At the opposite end of the table sat his father and uncle. Mr. Daniel was there too, along with his assistant, Arman's PA Miraj, Tanisha, and several senior staff.
Mr. Daniel kept the chair next to him empty for Maya. When his PA tried to sit there, Daniel smiled awkwardly and said firmly, "No no, that's Maya's seat."
The moment he said that, the entire room seemed to shift. Everyone turned to Maya again.
Arman shot a questioning look at Miraj, who responded with a discreet nod toward the empty chair beside Daniel. Arman still didn't get it—until Daniel called out again, smiling,
"Maya! There you are. Come sit here, next to me!"
That was the last straw.
Rage burned through Arman's veins. His eyes darkened. If he could flip the entire table, he would have. Why was Daniel being so. familiar with her?
For a moment, he felt like calling off the entire deal—but he knew that wasn't an option anymore.
Maya glanced nervously at Arman. The fire in his eyes made her heart skip. She swallowed hard and quickly sat down beside Arman instead—on the last empty chair beside him.
Forcing a small smile, she said,
"I'm fine here. Let's not wait anymore—please, everyone, start eating."
Mr. Daniel's face fell visibly. Disappointed, he turned away and began scooping food onto his plate. Abir, Miraj, and Tanisha stifled their laughter behind their hands.
But Daniel didn't stay upset long.
He leaned forward and beamed,
"These dishes. Maya made them, didn't she?"
Abir grinned, mischief in his tone.
"Yes, these are all Maya's recipes. She woke up early just for you, sir, and cooked everything herself."
That did it.
Whatever calm Arman had managed to regain shattered in an instant. His jaw clenched. He gripped his spoon tightly and stopped eating. Slowly, he looked up and glared straight at Abir—as if he'd rip him apart right there.
Abir gave a sheepish smile, then quickly gulped and closed his mouth, trying to hide his teeth.
He had done it on purpose, of course.
Right then, the door opened and in walked Disha, smiling brightly.
"You all started without me? And congratulations, Sir—I heard the deal went through!"
Miraj raised an eyebrow and said mockingly,
"Didn't expect you to show your face here again. That's why we started eating. You didn't think the deal would actually close, huh?"
Disha looked taken aback but recovered quickly.
"Why wouldn't I? Maya worked really hard on all those designs. There was no way the deal wouldn't go through."
As she said that, she approached Maya's seat.
But before she could finish, Maya suddenly yelped—"Ahhh!"
Everyone's heads turned. Maya was clutching her left hand with her right, blowing on it in pain. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she hissed through her teeth.
Everyone stood up in concern.
Abir rushed over. Arman, sitting right next to her, reacted immediately. He grabbed a jug of cold water, unscrewed the lid, and pulled Maya's hand toward him, submerging it.
Disha leaned in, acting concerned.
"Maya! You should be more careful! You've burnt your hand!"
Then, turning to Arman, she added,
"Sir, please, let me take care of her. Maya, give me your hand."
She stepped between Arman and Maya, reaching forward.
Even Mr. Daniel had stood up from his chair, clearly worried.
And at that moment.
To be continued...