My Cruel Love.
A quiet office night takes a sharp turn when Maya is left behind—and only Arman is there to take her home.
But a sudden storm, a broken-down car, and her deepest fear bring them face-to-face with something unexpected...
Will the storm only rage outside, or also inside their hearts?
8:00 PM…
Office hours end at 6:00 PM. By the time everyone wraps up their work and leaves, it's usually around 7:00 PM. The office is completely empty by then. Abir, deeply immersed in his work inside his cabin, didn't even notice when the clock struck 8. Once he finished, he stepped out of his cabin and realized the entire office was deserted.
As he walked past Arman's cabin, he noticed Maya still working intently - completely unaware of her surroundings, probably designing a dress. That's how fashion design is, once you start, you don't stop until it's finished. Abir suddenly had a mischievous idea. He knew Arman was still in the office, so without alerting anyone, he quietly slipped out.
He got into his car and started driving home. A little while later, he called Arman.
As soon as Arman answered, Abir said,
"Hey, listen. Maya's still working in the office. If you're leaving, could you drop her off, please? I finished a while ago and left. She was still working, so I couldn't bring her along."
Arman:
"You just left a minute ago. I saw you coming toward my cabin, but you turned back halfway. And now you're playing dumb?"
Abir:
"What? Why would I lie? I actually went to check on Maya. She was working, so I didn't bother her. Please just drop her home - it's not safe to leave a girl alone this late. You know that."
Before Abir could say more, Arman hung up the call. Abir grinned and shouted, "Yes!"
He knew Arman would never leave Maya alone now - and that's exactly what he wanted.
Meanwhile, Arman was staring intently at Maya, still working inside her glass-walled cabin. She was so focused she didn't notice a thing. Arman didn't know why he kept watching her - he just felt like it. Ever since he pulled back the curtain on that glass wall, he hadn't been able to concentrate on his own work. His eyes kept drifting toward Maya. So now he stood there, simply watching her.
After a while, Arman pulled the curtain back in place, packed his laptop and some important files, turned off the lights, locked his door, and walked to Maya's cabin. He knocked on the door.
Hearing the knock, Maya looked up and saw Arman standing there.
Arman:
"Just because you've taken responsibility for the job doesn't mean you'll work all night. Don't you plan to go home?"
Startled, Maya quickly grabbed her phone—it was 8:50 PM.
Maya:
"Oh no! It's that late already? I didn't even notice. I won't be able to visit dad today…"
Arman:
"Hurry up. It's really late - and the weather's getting worse."
Maya quickly closed her laptop, tossed her phone into her bag, and got up. As she reached him, Arman handed her his bag and said, "Here, hold this."
Maya (surprised):
"Why should I carry your bag?"
Arman (walking ahead):
"Because I told you to."
Maya (grumbling while following):
"As if I've got nothing better to do than carry your bag. Carry it yourself!"
Arman stopped, turned back, and snapped,
"Quiet. I hate people who talk too much. Just follow me silently."
Startled by his tone, Maya fell silent and followed him quietly. As they walked through the empty office, Maya started feeling uneasy. There was no one else around. She felt a flicker of fear but didn't show it.
Maya:
"Where's Brother Abir ? I don't see him anywhere."
Arman (stepping into the elevator):
"He left a while ago."
Maya (shocked):
"He left without me?"
She was still outside the elevator while Arman was inside. As the door started closing, Arman stopped it with his hand and said,
"Yes, your beloved Abir bhaiya left you. Now, do you want to stay here alone?"
Maya (hurrying in):
"No!! I'm coming!"
Once downstairs, Arman instructed a security guard to check all lights and lock everything properly. The office had several guards, but only a few were trusted with the master keys. Two of them went to do the final inspection - it was their regular duty.
Arman told Maya to wait while he went to get his car. When he returned and asked her to get in, Maya hesitated.
Maya:
"I can't go with you."
Arman (angrily):
"Stop the drama. It's late, and the weather's bad."
Maya looked up - the sky was filled with dark, rumbling clouds. It could start raining any moment. The main road was far from here, and cabs weren't easy to get. Besides, Arman was far more trustworthy than a random driver.
As she stood there thinking, Arman shouted again,
"Hey! Are you deaf? I said get in!"
Frightened, Maya climbed in quickly. Arman started the car, and they began their journey home.
Soon, the rain started pouring. With it came strong winds. The rain grew heavier, thunder roared, and lightning lit up the sky. They were halfway home when the car suddenly made a loud noise and stopped.
Maya froze in fear. The roadside trees were swaying violently - some looked ready to fall. Despite Arman's repeated attempts, the car wouldn't start. Just then, a massive bolt of lightning struck nearby, and a tree came crashing down right in front of them.
Maya screamed and started trembling. She had never been in such a terrifying situation. She was already terrified of thunderstorms, ever since she was little. Back then, she would hide against her father's chest during storms. Now they were stuck in the middle of nowhere, lightning flashing, trees crashing down - and it triggered a full panic attack. She was shaking uncontrollably, unable to speak.
Arman panicked at her condition. She was in the front seat beside him. He quickly moved closer, wrapped her in his arms, and pulled her into his chest.
Arman (calming her):
"Maya, please relax. Don't be scared. Nothing will happen. I'm here with you."
Before he could say more, Maya lost consciousness.
Arman (shocked):
"Oh no! She fainted. Damn it! What do I do now?"
Lightning still flashed all around. The rain wasn't letting up. Arman looked up at the trees swaying over the car - they could collapse any moment. Staying in the car was risky.
In the distance, he saw a small roadside cafe - but it was closed and locked from inside. There were no other buildings nearby, just dense trees. Without wasting more time, he picked Maya up in his arms and got out of the car.
Clutching her tightly to his chest, he began walking toward the shack. The storm was so strong it was hard to even take a step. Despite being a strong man, Arman felt like the wind would sweep him away.
To be continued…