Meher Sharma had always believed in saving lives.

It was what made her push through the long shifts, sleepless nights, and endless studying. Being a doctor wasn’t just her career—it was her identity. But that night, she unknowingly saved the wrong person.

The hospital was quieter than usual, the low hum of machines blending with the occasional shuffle of nurses moving in the hallways. It was past midnight, and Meher was the only doctor on duty. She stretched her arms, trying to shake off the exhaustion.

"Another all-nighter. At least I can get some chai later." She thought to herself.

But the calm didn’t last.

The doors to the emergency ward slammed open, and three tall men dressed in black stormed in.

One of them was carrying a woman in his arms.

Blood dripped onto the white hospital floor, leaving a dark crimson trail.

"Gunshot wound." Meher realized instantly.

The woman’s breathing was shallow, her black suit soaked in blood. Even through the pain, she held an unshakable aura—as if she were used to moments like these. Her cold, emotionless dark brown eyes flickered up to Meher, sending an unexplainable shiver down her spine.

"Who is she?" Meher thought.

One of the men—clearly a bodyguard—grabbed Meher’s wrist tightly.

“Save her. Or you won’t live to see another sunrise.” His voice was sharp, dangerous.

Meher wasn’t the type to be scared easily, but something about them felt... off. These weren’t just rich, powerful people.

They were something else.

And then Meher saw the golden emblem stitched onto the injured woman’s sleeve.

A tiger insignia.

Her blood ran cold.

"Rathore."

She had heard the name before. Everyone had. It was the name whispered in fear, the name that controlled the underworld. The Rathore sisters were known for their ruthlessness, power, and absolute dominance.

And Meher had just been thrown into their world.

The Operation

Meher had no time to think. The woman was losing too much blood.

“Get her to the operation room, now!” she ordered, pulling her wrist free and rushing to grab her gloves.

Her nurses hesitated, fear clear in their eyes. They weren’t used to treating criminals.

“Move! She’ll die if we don’t act fast!” Meher snapped, forcing them into action.

The next two hours were a blur of stitches, transfusions, and tension. Every second, Meher felt the weight of those dangerous men watching her every move.

Finally, as she tied the last stitch, she let out a slow breath.

“She’s stable,” Meher said, pushing her hair back. “But she needs rest. No sudden movements.”

The moment she stepped away from the table, one of the men pulled out a phone.

“She’s alive,” he muttered. “Tell the boss.”

The boss? Meher frowned. Aren't they already working for the Rathores?

Her question was answered minutes later.

The doors burst open again, and this time, a woman walked in.

Meher instantly recognized her from news articles.

Vaidehi Rathore.

Where Aaravi was cold and unreadable, Vaidehi was unpredictable, explosive, and dangerously obsessive.

She walked straight to the operation table, her heels clicking against the floor, and crouched beside the unconscious woman.

“Didi…” she whispered, brushing Aaravi’s hair back.

"Didi."

Meher blinked.

They’re sisters?

Of course, she had heard rumors about them—the twin queens of the underworld. But seeing them in real life was something else.

Then, Vaidehi’s gaze snapped to Meher.

Meher froze.

There was something unsettling about her stare—like a predator studying prey.

“You saved her,” Vaidehi murmured.

Meher swallowed, nodding. “It’s my job.”

A slow smile curled on Vaidehi’s lips.

“That means she belongs to you now.”

Meher frowned. “Excuse me?”

Vaidehi stepped closer, the sweet yet deadly look never leaving her face.

“Didi only trusts people who save her life,” she said softly. “And I trust her judgment.”

Meher didn’t like the sound of that.

“I did my duty as a doctor,” she said firmly. “That’s it.”

Vaidehi tilted her head, her expression unreadable.

“You don’t understand, do you?” she whispered, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind Meher’s ear.

Meher’s body tensed.

“You saved her. That means you are ours now.”

Meher took a step back.

“I— I don’t belong to anyone.”

Vaidehi just laughed. A soft, dangerous laugh.

“Not yet, sweetheart.”

The Deal

Aaravi stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open for a brief second.

“Vaidehi…” she whispered weakly.

Vaidehi immediately turned her attention back to her sister. “I’m here, Didi. Rest.”

Meher took the chance to quietly move away.

She needed to leave.

She needed to get far, far away from these women.

But the moment she stepped toward the exit, a bodyguard blocked her way.

Vaidehi glanced over her shoulder.

“Leaving already, Dr. Meher?” she asked sweetly.

Meher’s heartbeat quickened.

“I— I have other patients to see,” she said, keeping her voice steady.

Vaidehi hummed, stepping closer again.

“Let’s make a deal,” she said, eyes gleaming with something dark.

“You stay with us for one month. Help my sister recover. And in return…”

She leaned in, her lips almost brushing Meher’s ear.

“We won’t make your family disappear.”

Meher’s breath hitched.

Her hands clenched into fists.

"You wouldn't dare—"

Vaidehi smirked. "Oh, sweetheart. We own this city. We can do whatever we want."

Aaravi, still weak but alert, finally spoke.

“Vaidehi, stop.” Her voice was rough, but it held authority.

Vaidehi pouted slightly but obeyed.

Aaravi turned her sharp eyes to Meher.

“One month, Doctor. Stay with us until I recover. Then you’re free.”

Meher hesitated. She didn’t trust them.

But she had no choice.

“Fine,” she whispered.

Vaidehi grinned.

"Welcome to the family, Meher."

Meher’s fate was sealed.

And she had no idea what she had just walked into.

-------------

To be continued

Meher had agreed.

She had spoken the words, sealing her fate, but the moment she did, an uneasy feeling settled in her chest.

"One month." She repeated in her mind. One month, and then I walk away.

But something about Vaidehi’s smirk told her that leaving wouldn’t be that easy.

The hospital air felt thicker, heavier as the Rathore bodyguards surrounded her. Even though Aaravi was still unconscious, her presence was like a weight pressing down on Meher’s shoulders.

This wasn’t just a patient.

This was a mafia queen.

And Meher had just been pulled into their world.

The Journey to the Mansion

Vaidehi led the way as Meher was escorted out of the hospital. She could feel the eyes of the nurses and doctors on her, whispering among themselves.

"Why is she with them?"

"Is she being taken against her will?"

"Maybe she’s involved with them?"

Meher clenched her fists.

She wasn’t one of them. She never would be.

The black SUVs waiting outside gleamed under the streetlights. As soon as they stepped outside, the night air was filled with the sound of low murmurs and shifting footsteps. Meher barely had time to register what was happening before a strong arm wrapped around her waist.

She gasped.

Vaidehi had pulled her close.

“Stay close to me,” she murmured against Meher’s ear. “People have a habit of vanishing in this city when they don’t know their place.”

Meher tensed. “Are you threatening me?”

Vaidehi smirked. “Oh, sweetheart. I don’t need to threaten you. You already know what I’m capable of.”

Meher jerked away, glaring at her, but Vaidehi only laughed softly before leading her to the waiting car.

The moment the doors closed, Meher felt like the air was running out.

The car smelled of leather and danger.

Vaidehi sat beside her, completely relaxed, while Aaravi was carefully laid down in the backseat, still unconscious.

The drive was silent. But Meher’s mind was loud.

"What have I done? What if they never let me leave? What if—"

“Stop thinking so much,” Vaidehi said suddenly.

Meher turned to her. “Excuse me?”

Vaidehi tilted her head. “You’re overthinking. I can see it in your eyes.”

Meher pursed her lips, crossing her arms. “And what exactly do you think I’m thinking?”

Vaidehi smirked. “That we’re going to kill you.”

Meher’s breath caught, but Vaidehi only chuckled.

“Relax, little doctor. We wouldn’t waste such a pretty thing.”

Meher felt a shiver down her spine.

She didn’t like the way Vaidehi looked at her—like she was a delicate bird trapped in a cage, waiting to be tamed.

“Don’t call me that,” she muttered.

Vaidehi hummed. “What should I call you, then? Mine?”

Meher turned away, refusing to answer.

Vaidehi leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “One month, Meher. That’s all it takes for someone to fall in love.”

Meher stiffened.

She wasn’t here for that.

She would never fall for them.

---

The Rathore Mansion – A Golden Cage

When the car finally stopped, Meher barely had time to take a breath before the doors opened.

The Rathore Mansion was more like a fortress. Tall iron gates loomed over them, guarded by men in black suits carrying weapons.

As they drove inside, Meher saw a sprawling estate, lined with fountains and gardens.

Everything was too perfect, too expensive.

And yet, it didn’t feel like a home.

It felt like a prison.

The moment they entered, dozens of servants bowed as Vaidehi stepped out first. Meher hesitated but followed.

Two guards carried Aaravi inside, while Vaidehi walked beside Meher, too close, too controlling.

The grand staircase, chandeliers, and velvet carpets screamed wealth, but Meher only felt suffocated.

As they walked deeper inside, Vaidehi suddenly grabbed her wrist.

Meher tried to yank away, but Vaidehi held firm.

“Let go,” Meher gritted out.

Vaidehi smiled, her grip tightening. “You’re mine now, Meher.”

A voice cut through the tension.

“Enough, Vaidehi.”

Meher turned, and her breath hitched.

Aaravi was awake.

She was standing at the top of the staircase, dressed in a black silk robe, her injuries carefully bandaged.

And her dark eyes were locked onto Meher.

Vaidehi immediately let go, stepping back.

Aaravi slowly descended the stairs, graceful, powerful, unreadable.

Meher couldn’t look away.

Unlike Vaidehi, who was fire and chaos, Aaravi was ice and control.

When she reached Meher, she studied her carefully, as if searching for something.

Then, Aaravi spoke.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice smooth and deep.

Meher blinked. She hadn’t expected gratitude.

She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Aaravi cupped her chin, tilting her face up slightly.

Meher froze.

“You are under my protection now,” Aaravi murmured. “No one will harm you. You have my word.”

Meher’s heart raced.

Vaidehi’s voice was mockingly sweet.

“Oh, Didi. You’ve already fallen for her, haven’t you?”

Aaravi ignored her sister.

Instead, she held Meher’s gaze and said, “Rest. You’re not leaving this place anytime soon.”

Meher swallowed hard.

This wasn’t just a cage.

It was a trap made of love, power, and obsession.

And she was already caught in it.

------------

To be continued

Meher sat on the edge of the king-sized bed, her hands clenched into fists as she stared at the closed door.

She was alone.

For now.

Everything felt too much.

The mansion was too grand, too cold, too suffocating. The silk sheets beneath her felt too soft, a sharp contrast to the chains she could feel tightening around her freedom.

"One month."

"That’s all. Just one month."

The words felt empty now.

Aaravi’s calm dominance unsettled her, while Vaidehi’s dangerous obsession sent a shiver down her spine.

And now, she was trapped with them.

A knock on the door snapped her from her thoughts.

She tensed.

Before she could answer, the door swung open.

Vaidehi.

Dressed in black, her sharp, cat-like eyes gleamed with something dark.

Meher’s heartbeat quickened.

"We need to talk, sweetheart." Vaidehi purred, stepping inside and closing the door behind her.

Meher immediately stood up, putting distance between them.

Vaidehi only smirked, tilting her head. "Still scared of me?"

Meher refused to answer.

"You should be." Vaidehi’s voice was soft but laced with something dangerous.

She took a slow step forward.

"You don’t belong here, Meher."

Meher’s jaw clenched. "I know that."

Vaidehi laughed softly.

"But you belong to us now."

Meher’s nails dug into her palms. "I am not an object to be owned."

Vaidehi’s smirk grew wider. "Aren’t you?"

Meher’s breath hitched when Vaidehi suddenly grabbed her wrist, yanking her closer.

Her grip was firm, not painful—but enough to make Meher feel powerless.

"You don’t understand, do you?" Vaidehi whispered, her face inches away.

Meher struggled, but Vaidehi held on.

"You’re in our world now. And the moment you stepped into it, you became ours."

Meher’s stomach twisted.

"Let. Me. Go."

Vaidehi’s grip tightened slightly. "I don’t like sharing, Meher."

Before Meher could respond, another voice cut through the air like ice.

"Let her go, Vaidehi."

Meher’s breath caught in her throat.

Aaravi stood at the doorway, expression unreadable, her dark eyes locked onto Vaidehi’s hand around Meher’s wrist.

Slowly, Vaidehi released her grip.

But not before brushing her fingers against Meher’s palm, a silent warning.

"Didi, you always ruin my fun." Vaidehi sighed, stepping back.

"Leave." Aaravi’s voice was calm, but firm.

For a moment, Vaidehi didn’t move. Then, she smirked, shaking her head.

"Fine. But don’t think for a second that I’m done with you, sweetheart."

She winked at Meher before sauntering out.

The door closed behind her with a soft click.

Silence.

Meher let out a shaky breath, her heart pounding.

Aaravi stepped forward, stopping a few feet away.

"You’re afraid of her." It wasn’t a question.

Meher swallowed. "I should be."

Aaravi’s lips pressed into a thin line. "She won’t hurt you."

Meher let out a humorless laugh. "You can’t control her, can you?"

Aaravi’s gaze darkened. "I control everything."

Meher met her stare, challenging. "Not me."

For a long moment, Aaravi said nothing. Then, she tilted her head slightly, studying Meher with an intensity that made her skin prickle.

"Come with me."

Meher hesitated. "Where?"

"To dinner."

Meher frowned. "I’m not hungry."

Aaravi took a step closer. "I wasn’t asking."

The Dining Hall – A Battle of Power

The dining hall was too elegant, too intimidating.

A long mahogany table stretched across the room, adorned with golden plates and silver cutlery. A chandelier hung above, casting soft shadows across the walls.

Vaidehi was already seated, lazily swirling a glass of wine between her fingers.

When she saw Meher enter with Aaravi, her lips curled into a smirk.

"Ah, my favorite little doctor has joined us."

Meher ignored her.

She wasn’t going to play their games.

Aaravi gestured for Meher to sit.

She did—reluctantly.

The tension in the air was thick as the food was served. Meher stared at her plate, appetite long gone.

Vaidehi leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm.

"So, Meher," she purred. "Tell me, do you have a boyfriend?"

Meher stiffened.

Aaravi shot Vaidehi a warning glance.

Vaidehi only chuckled. "What? I’m just curious."

Meher gritted her teeth. "No."

Vaidehi’s smirk widened. "Good."

Meher’s grip tightened around her fork.

She wanted to leave.

But she knew she couldn’t.

Not yet.

"Meher."

She looked up.

Aaravi was watching her with those piercing dark eyes.

"You will be staying in the room across from mine."

Meher frowned. "I already have a room."

"That was temporary."

Vaidehi grinned. "Didi wants to keep you close."

Meher’s pulse quickened.

"Why?" she demanded.

Aaravi took a sip of her wine, her expression unreadable.

"For your protection."

Meher scoffed. "From what?"

Vaidehi leaned forward. "From me, of course."

Meher’s chest tightened.

She was truly trapped.

And there was no way out.

Later That Night – The Warning

Meher paced her new room, frustration bubbling inside her.

The Rathores were playing with her, manipulating her, testing her.

She had to find a way out.

But before she could even form a plan, there was a soft knock on the door.

Her body tensed.

She slowly walked over and opened it—just a crack.

Aaravi stood there, her face unreadable.

Meher’s heart skipped a beat.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then, Aaravi reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind Meher’s ear.

Meher’s breath hitched.

"Sleep, Meher," Aaravi murmured. "Tomorrow will be… interesting."

Meher swallowed hard.

"Why?"

Aaravi’s lips curved slightly.

"Because after tomorrow, you won’t want to leave us anymore."

With that, she turned and walked away.

Meher shut the door quickly, pressing her back against it.

Her pulse thundered in her ears.

She didn’t know what Aaravi meant.

But deep down, she had a feeling…

She was already falling into their trap.

And worse—part of her didn’t want to escape.

To be continued.............

...Author note...

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