Lucifer's Last Sin ✔️

• Chapter Five •

When they arrived at the restaurant, Nandani paid the driver and followed Navya. She was amazed by the restaurant's beauty. Its fancy design and large gardens felt magical. As she walked in, she felt enchanted. Soft music played by a pianist filled the air, and the delicious smell of food made her feel hungry.

She couldn’t stop looking at the beautiful details, from the shiny chandeliers to the pretty paintings on the walls.

"Bonjour, Madame. Welcome to La Grande Maison de Bernard Magrez. How can I help you?" the receptionist warmly greeted them.

"Bonjour. I'm Navya Naveli. I called earlier to reserve a table for three," Navya replied, her voice filled with excitement.

"Madame, please allow me a moment to verify."

Nandani's eyes widened in surprise. "Three?"

"Nandani, my boyfriend Richard was supposed to join us for dinner tonight, but unfortunately, he couldn't make it due to a meeting," Navya explained.

Nandani was suspicious. "You're hiding something from me."

"Honey, you're my best friend. Why would I hide anything from you? Don't you trust me?" Navya asked.

"Of course I do, but..."

"No buts and ifs. Let's just relax and enjoy the dinner," Navya posited.

"Oui, Madame. Your table is in the back row. Wishing you a delightful evening," the receptionist graciously said.

Navya offered a polite smile. "Merci beaucoup."

They made their way to the table. Nandani gracefully settled into her plush velvet chair.

Navya raised her hand to capture the attention of the waitress. "Excusez-Moi, Mademoiselle."

The young waitress approached their table with a suave demeanour. "What would you like to have?"

Navya placed their order. "Two Flamiche and Tarte Tatin, with two glasses of the finest red wine. Please be quick," she requested.

"You will receive your meal shortly," the waitress assures them, before disappearing into the bustling kitchen.

As time passed, Nandini couldn’t get rid of the uneasy feeling inside her. She looked at Navya, who was busy with her phone, her fingers moving quickly as she typed.

"What troubles you, Navya?" Nandani inquired, her voice filled with genuine concern.

"Oh...Oh, it's nothing," she faltered. "Just speaking with Richard."

"Are you sure?" she pressed.

Without uttering a single word, Navya abruptly rose from her seat and dashed out of the restaurant, leaving Nandani bewildered and alone. Nandani's mind raced with questions when suddenly her phone began to ring.

Upon checking the caller ID a beautiful smile graced her face as she eagerly answered the phone.

"Hey, Priya," she greeted, warmly.

"Hello, my baby. How are you? Have you reached the restaurant? Has Doctor Aryaman arrived?" Priya gently inquired.

Nandani's mind buzzed with confusion. She asked curiously, "How do you know I am at the restaurant and why would Doctor Aryaman come here?"

"Don't you know anything, my dear?" Priya's was surprised. "Didn't Navya tell you?"

Nandani retorted, "Priya, Navya is acting bizzarely. Could you please explain what's happening? I am getting worried now."

Attempting to find the right words, Priya sought to explain, "Nandani, my dear, Doctor Aryaman likes you. He wanted to take you out on a date. I assure you he's a gentleman, and I strongly believe that he'll always keep you happy."

Nandani's heart shattered into a million pieces as she absorbed Priya's words.

“ I love Dhruv immensely," Nandani's voice quivered with sadness. "I can not imagine opening my heart to another man."

Priya pleaded, "Nandani, we are moving to America. This place constantly reminds me of my son's death. My heart isn't ready to leave you alone in this country. I want to marry you off to a gentleman who will protect, cherish and respect you always."

Nandani frowned and hung up the phone abruptly. Her cheeks were flushed with tears. She dashed into the restroom, her trembling hands locking the door behind her. The haunting images of Manik killing Dhruv replayed in her mind.

"Oh my God!" she cried bitterly. "May that heartless devil get the punishment he deserves. He has shattered my life by ruthlessly taking Dhruv's life! He has stolen away my happiness, leaving me adrift in a sea of sorrow. What sin did Dhruv commit? He was innocent. What sin did I commit" I am left to face this harsh world all by myself again."

She sat on the cold floor, her fingers tightly clasping her knees.

Suddenly she heard the sound of gunshots, accompanied by the piercing cries of agony. Her heart pounded against her chest. Summoning every ounce of courage, she slowly stood up, leaning against the wall for support, her hands trembling uncontrollably as she reached for the doorknob.

As the door creaked open, a scene of unimaginable horror greeted her eyes. The once lively and vibrant restaurant had been transformed into a haunting graveyard. The lifeless bodies lay strewn on the bloodstained floor. And amidst the destruction, her gaze locked with a pair of piercing blue eyes.