29 What is mine is mine

As Nina opened her mouth to speak,

" Well Sofya, you see that's why -- "

Slap!

Sofya had thrown her hand forward as hard as she could, whipping it across her face. The crack of skin contacting skin echoed off walls. Both Murat and Arnav looked utterly shocked and dumbfounded. They had not expected this, least of all Nina. The slap on her face was so hard, she had staggered backwards. Regaining her balance, she shrieked madly.

" You dare -- "

Slap!

Slap!

Slap!

Soon Sofya felt vibrations of pain in her palm and spread all the way to her finger tips. Her palm was bright red, the same red mark that matched the one on the bitch's face. Nina stared at her with her wide eyes as her hand slowly made it to her fire red cheek.

In the cold silence that seemed to have stretched an eternity, Sofya took one step forward so they were almost face to face.

" You don't even worth a single cent to me. You are just as the trash in the bin, a trash that I don't want to see anymore. " Sofya told Nina coldly.

Continuing she warned him, " I let you win in the school once. However, what is mine is mine. And I don't like to share with anyone. "

Leaning in, she whispered in her ear, " As for your threat, I will destroy it and you both. You will perish, Nina Saltzman. "

Sofya thought she should have felt some kind of remorse. But she didn't. Not one organ in her body could produce guilt for her actions. A triumphant grin spread across her face and with a flick of her hair, she whirled on her heel and marched away, not even sparing a glance at Arnav.

As the sound of her heels faded, Arnav recovered from his shock. Glancing at Murat, who nodded his head, he dashed after Sofya.

Coming out of his office, he saw the doors of the lift closing. Running, he put a hand in between the doors. The doors opened again and he got inside, looking at Sofya. She gave him one look and then continued staring at the doors, as if he didn't exist.

Grrrr!

The lift suddenly started making an unusual sound and soon it came to a halt with a sudden clang. Looking at the switchboard, Sofya realised Arnav had powered off the elevator. They were stuck in between the floors.

Sofya looked at Arnav to find him already looking at her, but still she didn't speak. As she moved her hand forward towards the switchboard, Arnav caught it and pulled her towards him, looking at her with his deep set eyes.

After about a minute of struggling, Sofya gave up. True, she was trained in martial arts but even so he was a lot stronger than her. His grip on her hand was so hard, it was starting to hurt now. Still she did not speak, nor did she look at him.

Arnav felt frustrated. He knew it was his fault this time, but he didn't know how to convince her. He had never had to do that before. But for the sake of this woman, he was willing to try that even.

" Sofya? " the voice was so quiet, even she couldn't have pretended not to hear it. No reaction.

" Look at me. " he said dangerously, his eyes blazing. Still no reaction.

Fine, if that's how you want to play it. Then today, I will give you the surprise of your life. Thinking this, Arnav switched on the elevator and it started moving again.

Sofya felt her heart wrenching. She had hoped that he would convince her but alas, it seemed it was in vain. Of course, she knew Nina had forced herself upon him, that was who she was but still she had wanted to hear him say that, to explain to her everything. Maybe she had hoped too much or maybe he just wasn't that kind of a man.

The lift halted at ground floor. Sofya got out, walking quickly towards the parking lot. She could feel Arnav trailing behind her. Quickening her pace, she reached her car. But before she could insert the keys in, she was yanked away. Arnav holding her arm strongly, dragged her towards the large Maybach standing a few yards away.

" Let go of me. " Sofya said sternly, trying to release herself. Now it was Arnav's turn not to react.

Taking the keys from Charles, he opened the door of the passenger seat, pushing her in. Leaning in, he fastened her seat belt and shut the door behind him. He then quickly got into the driver's seat and made a few calls. Soon they were on the hurtling on the busy road.

" Mr. Raizada, do you mind telling me where we are going? " Sofya asked angrily.

Arnav had not intended to speak until they reached their destination. But her addressing him as Mr. Raizada only increased his anger. It sounded so distant and empty.

" Marriage Registrar's office. "